Tag Archives: Pine Siskin

•

Pine Siskins are named for their love of seeds of Pine trees. They also are attracted to thistle feeders. Richard Kuehn recently photographed one near his home on The Sea Ranch coming for some water.

Pine Siskins are slightly smaller than American Goldfinches. They are year round residents of the Coast.
I love seeing these little birds at my thistle feeder. They seem to get along well with the Goldfinches that also feed there. And one enterprising Acorn Woodpecker has discovered the feeder as well, to the displeasure of the Siskins and Goldfinches.

To hear their call, here's the link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/pine_siskin/sounds

Thanks to Rich for allowing me to share his photo. To see a photo of a Pine Siskin that landed on George Anderson's finger, here is the link: http://www.mendonomasightings.com/2012/11/09/a-pine-siskin-lands-on-george-andersons-finger/

• 1 Comment

•

The Mendonoma Coast is experiencing higher numbers of Pine Siskins and Red-breasted Nuthatches. Ron LeValley informed us that cone-producing trees to the north have failed to produce enough feed for these birds so they have migrated into our area. I love the nasal call of the Red-breasted Nuthatches. They sound like tin horns in the forest. Rick and I hear their calls every day.

Pine Siskins aren't so raucous. One particular bird happened upon a get together of friends on The Sea Ranch recently. It first flew to the shoulder of Dick Balch and then proceeded to walk around his back to the other shoulder. Then it flew to George Anderson's finger where it stayed for a while. Kathy Anderson had retrieved her camera in time to get this photo.

What a gift of trust this little bird gave Dick and  George - a blessing dressed in feathers.
Thanks to Kathy for allowing me to share her photo with you here.