A Goldfinch Takes a Drink at the Lily Pond

A water source is such a precious thing to wildlife. Many times, I've visited the Arboretum's lily pond in the mornings, only to discover birds drinking from the water.

Goldfinches abounded in the gardens on this morning. They flocked to the sunflowers, which are going to seed. The young ones sang and danced in the tree-tops, begging to be fed.

And at the lily pond, a male goldfinch arrived just as I did. Unabashed, he sat on the edge of the pond and leaned down and took a sip. He sat back up, admired his own reflection, and then went in for another drink.

The soundtrack for this image is Dire Straits, with Down to the Waterline.