Dead Heading

Dead heading may not be a kind thing to do, especially this year.  The birds have had a long hot summer devoid of a lot of moisture.  Scarce rain and  extreme temperatures have made for a reduced production of plant material and insects. The scrawny gold finch pictured below was really working over the dried purple cone flower seed head. If ever you wanted to forgo deadheading this is a good year to do so. Leave the dead plant material standing and you will be helping birds and various other wildlife.