When I first joined IBLE (lo, these many years ago), I went birding with RL and he directed me to a small neighborhood out Warm Springs, near where Idaho 21 now crosses the Boise River. We went there to see the Lesser Goldfinches that–apparently– could be found nowhere else in the Treasure Valley.
Within a few years, I started seeing Lesser Goldfinches at my feeders in the North End. Now, I see and hear them all along the Boise River, at least to Eagle Road. (Going to Eagle Road is a LONG bike ride for me, and I have rarely ventured beyond it.)
Long story short—I think they have been expanding their range in the valley for some time. If I were you I would greet them warmly, maybe put out an extra sock feeder (they love nyger thistle), and sit back and enjoy. Their year round yellow is a delight on a dreary winter day.
Tom McCabe, Boise
We have a couple of yards that have sunflowers in them, but I grew sunflowers at my other home in Meridian and never saw them…would just get American Goldfinches.
Ruthann Greene
Other juveniles present on place: numerous Black-headed Grosbeaks (at least 15), Lazuli Buntings (6+), BC Chickadees, House Wrens, House Finches & Yellow Warblers. And have seen two 1st-yr Bald Eagles.
Brian Carrigan
Blackfoot