It has been years since I seeded any sunflowers so I decided this early spring to grow a few to see how they would do. I didn't think I would get the germination that I did and ended up giving dozens of starter plants to various friends and neighbors.

I kept a few to put around the house since I knew the deer and rabbits would eat them if they weren't protected being close to the home. I had two varieties that I started from seed. Giant sunflowers and multi colored types. Some are close to 10 feet now and still growing. The birds are starting to come to the smaller variety sunflowers since they seem to have matured much faster then the giant variety.

Just happened to see a finch on a smaller mature sunflower head just out of the window today as I was passing by. I was lucky to get a fair photo before it noticed me at the window. Saw a mouse climb a stalk about 5 feet off the ground and chew a small head clean scattering the seeds on the deck and onto the ground below. It carried most all the seeds away by the following morning no doubt to cache them for another day

I have seen several places where people planted sunflowers for food plots this summer I don't remember that they did as well as they did this summer .And the timing is just about perfect for the gold finches and doves . As they ripen the birds will be feeding on them exclusively . Keep your camera nearby once the finches start on them

Very nice, Sir. Thanks for sharing.

my 2 acre field has exploded the last week or so

Great finch pics and nice looking sunflowers!