Dozens of Pine Siskins join a few other hearty species to feed in the snow covered Garden

With a significant winter storm approaching, a flock of about 50 Pine Siskins (pictured above) arrived last week, and fortunately they have hung around.

The little black dots in the sky at left are the Pine Siskins, who’ve just exploded into flight for some reason. They often do that. Their wheezy twitters as they swirl around is a lovely sound in the quiet winter landscape.

An “irruptive” species, Pine Siskins show up in large numbers some years, and not in others. This is the largest number we’ve seen. They come south searching for seed when it is less available north of here where they are more common. Below they are foraging with American Goldfinches, a close relative they seem to bully around food.

These tiny birds roost at the very tops of trees between feedings and swirling around. No roosting in the protection of conifers for them. How do they keep from freezing? They have the ability to ramp up their metabolic rates to 40% higher than a “normal” songbird of their size. When temperatures plunge as low as -94°F, they can accelerate that rate up to five times normal for several hours. They also put on half again as much winter fat as their Common Redpoll and American Goldfinch relatives. Very impressive!

Late fall and winter is an amazing time of year to enjoy birds in the garden if there is seed from uncut perennials left for them. Feeders will also attract them but are more work for us. The hearty birds that are here for the duration are far less wary and easier to watch than their spring counterparts. These Dark-eyed Juncos (above) are somewhat tame and gorgeous against the fresh snow.

I was surprised to see American Goldfinches plucking seeds from frozen liatris stalks covered in snow (above left). If you ever wanted permission to minimize fall garden clean up and leave the stalks for the birds, this is it! The goldfinches on the right are having a spat over the seed I left out.

I love what winter birds bring to the garden – color, sounds, activity – reminders that although things look pretty dead, there is still lots going on out there, and by leaving spent plants for them we are definitely helping them survive our tough winters!