By Maisie Ramsay Consider the goldfinch. Spinus tristis flits about the countryside, its vibrant plumage imbued with arnica-blossom yellow. This wind-borne drop of gold can be found here in Chaffee County, fluttering from rural fence posts with the whimsy of a mountain breeze. The finch makes lavish use of thistle, a plant whose prickly reputation belies its contributions to the animal kingdom. Thistle is a friend to the finch, and other creatures as well. Pappas – down – from thistle heads are used to line goldfinch nests. Oil-rich thistle seeds contribute vital nutrients to finches’ vegetarian diet. Elsewhere in the ...