Theophilus Thistle

Once thistles begin to blossom (and go to seed), goldfinches finally start their nesting season. 

Most other birds are in their second or third nesting by the time this happens, but these thistle lovers wait patiently for their favorite forage to fruit. 

I can't help but think of the old tongue twister about Theophilus Thistle when all of this is transpiring. 

So, if  you think you have the temerity to test the thickness of thy tongue, twist thusly:

Theophilus Thistle, the successful thistle sifter,

In sifting a sieve full of unsifted thistles,

Thrust three thousand thistles through the thick of his thumb.

If Theophilus Thistle, the successful thistle sifter,

Can thrust three thousand thistles through the thick of his thumb,

See thou, in sifting a sieve full of unsifted thistles,

Thrust not three thousand thistles through the thick of thy thumb.

That would be painful! If Theophilus was considered successful, I'd hate to be a failure!