Pine Siskins

At a bird feeder Pine Siskins look drab -- small grayish streaked birds. When you have a bird in your hand though the yellow in the tail and wings is eye popping bright.

Pine Siskins at feeders

I’ve read descriptions of American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins eating through bags of thistle seed in one winter season but never experienced it myself. Before I left for a winter vacation in early December I’d seen a lone Pine Siskin at the feeder. The first one seen here in four years. I return to find a large group of Pine Siskins have taken over the feeders. I’ll be buying more food before January is half through. I counted 23 at one time this morning.