In reply to Climbing Pieman:
> Watched around 100 Goldfinches in what seemed a frenzied feeding session (thistle seeds?) with impressive aerobatic manoeuvres as they moved across a field.
> Edit: problem uploading photo.
They look like they could be teasels being feasted upon. A magnificent heathland plant which goldfinches particularly love. Bees also do when they flower.
I grew some in the garden this year for the GFs. Little did I know that in the bosom of a garden border, complete with fertile soil, they grow to massive proportions. Spiky as hell too.
I have used the spent inflorescence's as autumn decorations but I have been expressly forbidden from growing them in the garden next year (it isnt large enough really).