During the winter of 2011 in February we were regularly visited by four siskins - two males and two females. As it was the first time we had seen these birds they scored a 10 on our birds seen in the garden scale.
Since then we have been hoping that they would pay us another visit - last year no sign of them and then this year at the beginning of February we had a brief glimpse of two males as they paid an all too fleeting visit to have a very quick snack from our sunflower hearts feeder.
We were lucky to see them at all and didn't have chance to take any sort of photo - in fact it made us wonder how many times we may have missed such a visit just because we didn't happen to be looking out of the window at the right time.
Then the other I noticed that a greenfinch was on the feeder and the sun was just catching his feathers in a way that showed off his bright colours so I grabbed my camera. Not quickly enough as one of the possessive goldfinches sent him on his way.
Optimistically, camera in hand I waited for his return. A bright green bird landed. As I focused the camera I realised that this wasn't a returning greenfinch but a male siskin. This time I had the camera ready but I daren't get too close to the window and so the focus isn't as crisp as I would like but anyway here he is.
He didn't stay long - I wonder how many times he has make a sneaky visit. He seems to agree with the goldfinches that sunflower hearts are a tasty treat.
We don't appear to have had any female visitors. It seems that late winter is the most common time to see siskins in the garden as their natural food supply is becoming more scarce and they haven't yet gone off to their breeding areas. I hope our males find an attractive female soon.
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They are lovely photos and such cheery little birds. Makes me feel spring is on its way!
ReplyDeleteIf only the weather played fair, Sue
DeleteThey're lovely birds, I've never seen one. It's so exciting when a new bird decides to visit the garden.
ReplyDeleteIt is, Jo and when we catch such a glimpse it makes us wonder what else visits the feeders when we don't happen to be looking
DeleteLovely captures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Belinda
DeleteThere is always a happy feeling watching them. When I feel too tired in the garden, I would simply watch what the birds are doing.
ReplyDeleteYou can pass many a happy hour just watching them can't you, Diana
DeleteIf it wasn't for my husband spotting things in the garden I wouldn't have a clue. I don't think he has mentioned siskins yet although we did have a yellowhammer visit at the weekend.
ReplyDeleteWe haven't had a yellowhammer, Elaine so that makes us equal
DeleteAt least you caught them,I always keep watching as I know as soon as I try to get the camera they disappear.
ReplyDeleteIt was more luck than skill flowerlady
DeleteWhat a lovely little bird Sue - and a lucky catch!
ReplyDeleteCertainly a lucky catch, Janet but I didn't get a shot of the greenfinch which has become a rare visitor to out garden.
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