Oven-fry meatballs for a crisp texture and shorter cooking time. Heat the oven to 425 F. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in an oven-safe, heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat until shimmering. Brown one side of the meatballs; then turn them in the pan using tongs.
In nature, finches eat a diet that mostly comprises seeds. This has led some keepers to believe that finches can thrive on just seeds, but such a limited diet is no more healthy for a finch than an all-cheese diet would be for a person.
This handsome little finch, the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington, is welcome and common at feeders, where it takes primarily sunflower and nyjer. Goldfinches often flock with Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls. Spring males are brilliant yellow and shiny black with a bit of white.