I find that I often think of the Pine Siskin as a rather nondescript little bird, but that perhaps is a mistaken assumption on my part. They most often seem to be among a flock of American Goldfinch, or later in the season, with Common Redpolls; and both the Goldfinch and Redpolls have a flashier, more attractive presence I think. Although the male and female Pine Siskin look very much alike the male has overall, more yellow on its body. I am assuming that the Siskin pictured above, with it obvious
yellow, is a male. The female has more of an overall, streaked brown appear -ance. We haven't had many Pine Siskins at our feeders over the past year but a week or so ago two or three have shown up at our feeders with a flock of American Goldfinch. Its characteristic slender, pointed bill can be easily seen in the photo below.
This Pine Siskin shown above is perhaps a female.
I find that I often think of the Pine Siskin as a rather nondescript little bird, but that perhaps is a mistaken assumption on my part. They most often seem to be among a flock of American Goldfinch, or later in the season, with Common Redpolls; and both the Goldfinch and Redpolls have a flashier, more attractive presence I think. Although the male and female Pine Siskin look very much alike the male has overall, more yellow on its body. I am assuming that the Siskin pictured above, with it obvious 
yellow, is a male. The female has more of an overall, streaked brown appear -ance. We haven't had many Pine Siskins at our feeders over the past year but a week or so ago two or three have shown up at our feeders with a flock of American Goldfinch. Its characteristic slender, pointed bill can be easily seen in the photo below.
This Pine Siskin shown above is perhaps a female.
Lovely! I haven't seen any since last winter, but they usually show up among the Goldfinches eventutally. I love that last shot showing the beautiful feathers on the back and the different texture of the head. I may not look forward to winter, but I do look forward to the increased bird activity!
ReplyDeleteOH yes....I love that deer header! What a terrific shot!
ReplyDeleteGreat captures! Especially since I never saw one! :)
ReplyDeleteCheers, Klaus
mary:
ReplyDeleteThese two fawns (on the header)were starting to cross the river where it is quite low now. They saw me on the other side, hidden? behind some tress watching them. After standing there in the same pose for a long time they changed their minds and went back among the trees on their side. Glad you enjoyed, I though they were beautiful.
klaus:
ReplyDeleteI am always happy when I can show others birds they haven't seen before. Glad that you enjoyed, too.
He's a cutie! Thank for the info on the little guy.
ReplyDeleteI have only had a pine siskin a couple of times. It makes doing Project Feeder Watch for Cornell a challenge. I have to really look at all those goldfinch to make sure they really ARE goldfinch. Then there are the house finch and purple finch...
ReplyDeleteThey are such charming birds with beautiful feathers. Wonderful photos!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. I have received an award that I would like to pass on to you. It's on my blog for you to pick up if you accept.
ReplyDeletecute little Siskins. They seem to be everywhere here this Fall !
ReplyDeleteSo that's what a Pine Siskin looks like. Somebody told me we had them in Illinois but I never saw them. You've gotten really beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteStunning close up shots, I really can't wait for the Siskins to return during the winter again here.
ReplyDeleteI just started seeing Pine Siskin with the huge flock of Goldfinch that I have too. I just notice a few this week. You should join us in our Great Bird Count of October. See my blog and let me know if you'd like to count your garden birds with us.
ReplyDeleteAnn: I do love the wings on the male, it makes it so colorful.
ReplyDeletePine Siskins are so pretty. Hope to see one someday, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDelete