The siskin is one of the smallest members of the finch family, and it normally feeds on pinecone seeds in the Scandinavian forests. This winter the pine trees have produced a very poor crop, prompting these birds to cross the North Sea, and in true Viking tradition, they're pillaging Britain’s garden feeding stations.
The male Siskin is unmistakable with its bright yellow plumage, streaked with black, and sporting a black cap and bib. Females are somewhat duller and lack the black cap and bib. Both sexes have two bright yellow wing-bars edged with black. Late March and early April is the best time to see Siskins in gardens.
The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), who monitor the movements of Britain’s birds, would like to know the true extent of this invasion. Paul Stancliffe, of the Garden BirdWatch Team, said, "We know that there are a lot of Siskins around. What we don’t know is just how many birds are involved and how far across the country they have spread. We could be talking about one the largest invasions of this bird for many years."
To report Siskins in your garden, contact the BTO on: 01842 750050, or write to: BTO, GBW, Room 09, The Nunnery,
Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU.
Found this on the UK safari website and thought it may be of interest to some!
Simon
