Where Are They?!
We have now entered December, and though we lack the truly cold air that the month and the beginning of meteorological winter can sometimes bring, we are cooling down and birds are still moving south. Regular arrivals spanning the spectrum from the American Tree Sparrows of our backyards to the Tundra Swans of Chautauqua Lake are joining us now. Where are we with the irruptive avian species so far this season across the Northeast and Midwest? I went through eBird maps this morning to find that out, and let’s start with the big name… The Snowy Owls started their annual southbound...
Read MoreAmerican Goldfinch
This American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) is still molting into its wintering look while enjoying the pine cones on this black pine tree. Though not native, black pines are a huge fall magnet for birds, and this one tree alone also had Black-capped Chickadee, Song Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, and White-throated Sparrow in it. Will we be seeing conifers filled with White-winged and Red Crossbills soon? Or at least more Pine Siskins and Common Redpolls in the area? Perhaps so judging by how many American Goldfinch seem to have moved recently, and the reports of other finches to our north.
Read MoreYard Pine Siskin
There are still Pine Siskins hanging out in the Northeast, and if you provide them with enough food in your yard and they are able to find a mate, they may nest right there! The nomadic species is certainly opportunistic, and I hope this bird in Twan’s yard can find a partner and settle down soon. Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read MoreFeeder Finches
There are three kinds of finches in these photos, and the views afford a great perspective of their relative sizes. The American Goldfinch, Pine Siskin and Purple Finch were all visitors to Twan’s yard recently. The Purple has such an enormous bill!
Read MorePine Siskin & American Goldfinch
The feeders of Western New York are brightening up as the surrounding gardens and woodlands are, with birds like this Pine Siskin, on the left, passing through now, and the American Goldfinch, on the right, turning into neon yellow, glowing lights. The American Goldfinch nest so late in the season compared to some of our other resident birds that they can still be using their energy for molting now, taking advantage of feeding on all those also yellow sunflowers later on. The Pine Siskin is more of a nomadic species than anything else, and they will likely be breeding not much further to our...
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