 Pine siskins on deck |
 Pine siskins on feeder |
For weeks I’ve tried to take pictures of the hundreds of pine siskins that cover the second floor deck, branches nearby, treetops around yard, and especially the little roof that is their favorite feeding area. I’d stand very still back away from the window waiting for the right shot, but any movement turned them into a cloud of wings. A few days ago, I stood in plain view by the glass door. Fast motion made them fly. Slow motion didn’t. I slowly opened the door. They didn’t fly if I stood still. I found if I move slowly I could move among them. I went to the little roof that holds more than a hundred of them.
Pine siskin flying
 Siskins on branches |
 Pine siskins on branches |
Pine siskins on feeder
A couple days ago Donna took a picture of me being ignored while the siskins focused on the food as long as I made no fast moves. It was an enjoyable time. Also, they seem to know that someone who comes out that door is bearing food and they start dropping from the tall trees to nearby branches and the rooftop and even flocking to the deck and other areas that have food. Walking slowly back inside I can step just inches from those on the deck with some flying and others ignoring my proximity. They gave me a whole new view of them. They fly quickly if a squirrel moves quickly, if a blue jay sails in, or if the eagle, a raven, a crow, or a hawk comes through. If a squirrel just stays in one place eating the seeds, the siskins gradually move in within inches.
Thank you for all you do,
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center