Pine Siskins are all over the place at Kiptopeke this year! Along with the other irruptive species (Blue Jays and Red-breasted Nuthatches) we've discussed in previous posts, these little guys have been gracing us with their (rather adorable) presence throughout the skies and at the feeder, much to the delight of everyone on the platform. While we had a few scattered sightings in September, our first consistent sightings began on October 3rd. Since then, not a day has lapsed without seeing these birds moving past the platform.
For the past four or five days, we've had a consistent group of more than 100 that have been staying at the feeder. During slow moments of the day, the Siskins can always be relied upon to provide their wheeling, bursting flight patterns as entertainment. Their presence has, of course, also been attracting the attention of visitors of the raptor variety - Cooper's Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks, and Merlins have been zipping through the trees in hot pursuit of their next meal.
In addition to the general enjoyment of having this be an "on" year for Siskins, it's also been notable and enjoyable to have such high numbers this year - 2,016 for the season as of October 17th. These birds have also been migrating past in sizeable groups, with one flock of 860 recorded on October 14th.
On those exceedingly blue-sky days in which every raptor seems to be flying miles above us, it has been a treat (as well as a relief to the eyes!) to have the Siskins moving in their beautiful flight patterns right over our heads!
Until next time,
Bridgett
