Loon: Mom and Chick and Goldfinch from Thursday's paddle round the slough.

"This we’ll gladly hear-
a lonely, wild heart
that in limitless freedom
still finds its way to us."

                       The Loons Head North

                            Tarjei Vesaas 

Dad called from midslough, warning or distraction, I am not sure. So we moved in a different direction, but eventually encountered Mom with the chick. And we did not get too close, but relied on the big lens instead. We were very happy to see the chick had survived. 

The Goldfinch is the most common bird we see both at the feeders and in the meadows when these yellow flowers heads turn to fluff.  

"and their feathers sleek;
Then off at once, as in a wanton freak:
Or perhaps, to show their black and golden wings,
Pausing upon their yellow flutterings."

from Goldfinches

by John Keats

"Goldfinches are the only finch that molts its body feathers twice a year, once in late winter and again in late summer. Males in spring and early summer sport vivid yellow feathers to alert prospective mates of their vitality."

https://www.myminnesotawoods.umn.edu/2018/08/american-goldfinch-the-thistle-connection/

The Goldfinch is eating
Sonchus arvensis (Perennial Sow-Thistle)

https://www.saskwildflower.ca/nat_Sonchus-arvensis.html

I am still working on the plant in the bottom photo. Suggestions?