Pine Siskins have been eating everything in sight at many homes across the region in the past few weeks, devouring seed at increasing rates with the increasingly stormy and snowy weather. If you are fortunate enough to have a flock you may be aided in pulling in a Common Redpoll, another winter bird that has been seen more frequently, albeit in lesser numbers, this February. I have yet to have the fortune of a Redpoll for the winter of 2014-2015, but I have spotted some Siskins. Even if you miss out on these two species during their winter stay keep your feeders filled through March and April as you stand a good chance to pick them up on their return to the north. It is hard to fathom such a migration at the moment but it is not too far away.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator