My mum and dad rang me last night excited about the finch-fest going on in their Worcestershire garden at the moment.A number of Redpolls have been visiting for about 3 or 4 winters now. And this year a trio of Bramblings have joined the party.But they’ve now been joined by a little troupe of Siskins, providing yet another splash of colour and variety to the gardening mix. And I’m hearing that for many other people Siskins are visiting in larger numbers than usual at the moment.If you are unfamiliar with Siskins, they are small, dainty finches, overall looking rather greenish and streaky, but with contrasting black-and-lime wing markings. The males are especially dapper with a black crown. I usually like to bring you photos taken this week, but given that they aren’t in my garden, I’ve had to dig into my archives for one I photographed in 2009 with a Goldfinch. It's only a female, so imagine how lovely the males look.
Most of the year Siskins breed in conifer woods, but in winter they often flock along waterside Alder trees or in Birch trees feeding on the catkins. However, about 20 years ago, they learnt to visit garden feeders but they tend to only do so once natural food supplies have run out, usually in March.On sunny days, you may even be lucky enough to hear the males singing, a happy if wheezy little ditty that goes on and on and sounds like a whole flock of birds instead of just one.Have you been Siskinned yet in your garden? (It’s a new verb, but I’m sure it will catch on). If not, eyes peeled, they could be coming your way soon...
I have been surprised by how many Siskin I have had visiting my garden this year! I would sometimes get one or two for a couple of days but this year since mid-December I have had literally flocks of them! Not that I'm complaining, you understand! They seem to be able to hold their own against even that bully the Greenfinch and just hold their ground!In the sun they glow, it's beautiful!Has the population increased or are we getting more visitors from the continent? Hmmmm? As a note: I've stopped using Nyger seed because even the Goldfinches ignore it. They all love the premium sunflower hearts. I'm going to the bankruptcy court next week!!! Lots of Goldfinch, Greenfinch, Blackbirds that fly at the feeders to knock out the seed by main force and I've even had a Goldcrest at my feeders which I've never seen before! Had Bullfinch and Blackcap as well, so I'm pretty happy to keep the seed feeders full! The downside is that I have set up a Smorgarsbord for the Sparrowhawk!
I've had a flock of siskins visiting for the last month, around 30 in total. There seems to be a small group of 8 that visit more often. They have been coming to our garden for the last 3 years but only started as 2 or 3 so it is wonderful to have so many and for a long period of time.
Yes, a group of siskins, together with redpolls, goldfinches to name but a few. I have been putting out all sorts of seeds and fresh fruit, especially home made suet (ground peanut, digestive biscuits, plain flour and lard).....that goes like hot cakes and not to mention mealworms. Getting a bit out of hand really, costs me a small fortune, but don't have the heart to stop feeding them. Even the neighbours comment on the variety and sheer numbers of birds that visit our garden.
No, no siskins -- yet? But, for the first time this year, REDPOLLS visited my niger feeder! New visitors are always a delight.
Yes I have. I have been putting out niger seed for 3 years and nothing has eaten it. It just kept on getting thrown away when the feeder got cleaned. But this year, however, we have had goldfinches, siskins, long tailed tits, gread tits to name but a few. Hopefully, now they know there is a feast in my garden, they will all be regular visitors.