Plentiful Pine Siskins
Sunday March 1, 2009
If your feeders have been frequented by more pine siskins than normal this winter, you’re not alone. Pine siskins are experiencing a biennial irruption, which brings dramatically increased populations to many birders’ backyards.All of my feeders are populated by siskins on a daily basis. They flutter around the tube feeders, aggressively guard the platform feeders and gorge themselves at the hopper feeder. While some birders may not appreciate these small, aggressive birds usurping so much seed, I find them fascinating to watch as they threaten interlopers and frantically feast on black oil sunflower seeds and niger seed.
Are pine siskins more prominent at your feeders this winter? Learn about the irruption with information from Project FeederWatch, or share your experiences in the comments!
Pine Siskins at Sock Feeders
Photo © Will Sweet
Comments
Wehave been invaded by dozens upon dozens. We live in the upper peninsula of Michigan where the feeders are fairly dead barring the occasional migrant so I’m glad to have them.
We’ve also had dozens of them this year in (Western) Massachusetts. I find it exciting because this is first year that I’ve had them at my feeders since I began feeding five years ago.
The first time I saw pine siskins, I had them confused with lesser goldfinches. I do enjoy them at the feeders; they’re so aggressive, I’ve seen one threaten a robin! Not that the robin seemed to care, but it was interesting nonetheless.
the siskins are still here in SC April 10, 2009.