zhreee-zhreeee-zhreee
The Pine Siskin often associates with the American Goldfinch, and can be a common nomadic winter bird in Oklahoma. But as an occasional compatriot, its presence can vary on a yearly basis. It feeds upon insects, buds, seeds of many conifers, as well as what could be left upon deciduous trees.
Sometimes displaying yellow wingbars, this finch enjoys thistle and will be at your feeder when it is present. Large numbers of this migratory bird can appear sporadically and it is usually due to lack of food in its normal habitat. They have a remarkably high metabolism and will eat constantly. They are generalist feeders, so almost anything will please them. Mineral deposits will also send them to roadways and roadsides in order to eat these sparse flecks from road salt. However, the newer melting agents are made of less worthy chemicals, which could cause them physical angst or worse. They also tend to be run over in the roadways, leading to added mortality.
Pine Siskin
Boomer Lake Park, 2014
During times of breeding in the northern states, mountains, and the Boreal Forest, they are a known Brown-headed Cowbird host. Forest fragmentation has increased this probability, so they tend to have their young survive much better through appropriate forest management, where large swaths are not clear cut and replanted the following spring.
These songbirds are often afflicted with salmonella which can be common at bird feeders, a reminder to keep them very clean, much more than normal during inclement weather. Cats should be keep away from feeding stations, and they are also victims to other predators like raptors, crows, and red squirrels. They will do well in a yard with much cover, especially shrubs and enjoy ornamental conifers. They also enjoy remains from leftover sunflowers, weeds, and thistle plants.
No comments:
Post a Comment