Pine Siskin

Pine Siskins in Aldea Backyard

Pine Siskins are here in Aldea this winter in increased numbers from last winter. They are easy to attract if you hang up a thistle seed feeder. And if you keep it clean and well stocked with fresh seed. Attentive hygiene is important with thistle seed feeders as the seed can go bad in short order— and that’s bad for the birds. 

I have always been fascinated at how Pine Siskins blend into the brown and grey tones of the coyote fences as they grip them sideways or upside down. One has to look for them carefully. Pine Siskins generally hang upside down to feed like goldfinches also.

As with many smaller birds, I find that by taking photos of these very active birds and then later studying the results on a large monitor makes me appreciate their beauty more fully. It is a great way to clearly see the brilliant yellow flashes of color on Pine Siskin wings and tail as well as their unique striping and markings. Here are a few photos taken within the last week.

Pine Siskins are year round residents in northern New Mexico although they are more visible in the winter when they move around in small groups from feeder to feeder. A group of Pine Siskins has many collective nouns such as a “charm’, “company”, and “trembling” of siskins or finches.

Photos:  Pine Siskins in Aldea Backyard. 

Click on photos to enlarge.