Goldfinches are common in Idaho and lots of birders are reporting them at feeders in the Treasure Valley this time of the year. You may see them in Idaho’s mountains while camping. Camping is an excellent opportunity for bird watching so take along a pair of binoculars or a spotting scope. It’s great to keep the spotting scope set up on a tripod close by so you can get a quick birds-eye view when something flies near camp. By the way, Audubon Guides has a good app on bird identification for your smartphone. Or, you can go the traditional way and get a copy of “The Sibley Field Guide to Birds of Western North America” to have in your rig while camping. It has good color illustrations and descriptions. PETE ZIMOWSKY — Pete Zimowsky/pzimowsky@idahostatesman.com