Here is where I would be posting a photo of a gorgeous American Goldfinch feeding on the seed heads of mature Eastern Purple Coneflowers, but sadly whenever I am outdoors I either flush the birds unintentionally first, or I get to watch them without a camera in my hand. Fingers crossed for the future…but you should leave your coneflowers be and resist pruning them even when they are wilting and getting “ugly” so that the birds can enjoy a seed feast in the late summer and fall.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator