Summer Siskins and Squirrels

Technically, it isn't summer quite yet, but it's beginning to resemble summer in several ways.  First, it was in the mid-90's last weekend.  Secondly, the migratory movements of Black-headed Grosbeaks, Yellow-rumped/Orange-crowned Warblers, and various Sparrows are complete and they're all essentially gone.  And while this is definitely a bummer, one of the most exciting parts of summer has already arrived...


A fledgling Pine Siskin feeds with its parents.  Note the sparrow-like tan and brown coloring, as opposed to the strongly-contrasting white and brown of the adult (top).  Siskins are uncommon breeders here in the valley.

I knew that something was up when I was seeing 2-5 Siskins regularly at my feeders in late May.  They almost always breed up in the pine-covered foothills, but apparently some of my regulars from this winter liked my feeders enough that they decided to nest locally.  This isn't unprecedented, but certainly uncommon and a welcome sight.  I have seen at least one and possibly two fledglings so far.


Juvenile Lesser Goldfinch with mother (right).

Lesser Goldfinches have also bred in our neighborhood and are at the feeders daily now.  The fledglings are somewhat difficult to distinguish from the adult females, as the plumage among adults varies significantly.  However, they all seem to have dull gray heads and their feathers aren't completely grown in yet (see above).  A flock of four Black-capped Chickadees came through the yard this morning, with some (most likely juveniles) behaving more curiously than others.  And, unfortunately, Starlings are also bringing their young to our suet feeders.  Oh well... I guess it can't all be good news.  Like last summer, we hope to see fledgling Bushtits, Red-breasted Nuthatches, American Goldfinches, House Finches, and Scrub-Jays within the next few weeks.


American Goldfinches dine on sunflower seed...


... as do House Finches and Pine Siskins.  Along with Lesser Goldfinches, these three species have been the most abundant lately.


A Fox Squirrel forages for whatever on top of the carport.

Interestingly, squirrel activity has also been on the rise recently.  One would think that they'd be in greater search of food in the dead of winter when they need more energy to stay warm.  But perhaps their caches from this winter have run out and they're scrambling for food.  Anyway, they're now going through a full block of suet per day on the basket feeder.  Because of this, I've decided to keep it empty for a while.  I've also taken down the small suet feeder in the back (because of the Starlings) and will stay with the lone tail-prop woodpecker feeder that the squirrels can't get at.  A Flicker was there this morning, so I think that everyone with feathers will still be well-fed.  As for the squirrels, I'll still hook them up with a little something every morning.  Some people backyard birders detest squirrels and do everything possible to keep them away form their seed/suet, but I'm somewhat fond of them and try to accommodate them with reasonable handouts.



New to our neighborhood today was a Gray Squirrel (above).  They're native to our area, but the smaller Fox Squirrels are overwhelmingly more abundant where we live.  Gray Squirrels are more aggressive than their smaller, rustier cousins, so we may have a feeder battle on our hands soon.


The Fox Squirrels are so used to us that they'll now eat of our hands!

The Fox Squirrels that have been around here for some time know us and aren't particularly afraid of us anymore.  However, we were taken aback when one of them began to follow us while we were outside.  It turned out that this one was looking for food and would eat it right out of our hands.  This one took what it wanted, stepped back a few inches, ate, and then went back for more.  I made the mistake of eating a peanut butter granola bar right before feeding this guy and he actually nibbled at my finger before realizing that it wasn't a peanut.

It should be interesting to see what happens next month (when summer actually arrives).  Will the one remaining Junco still be here?  Will our Mallards still be here?  Tune in later to find out...

• Posted at Monday, May 26, 2008 10:33 PM
• In General Category | Permalink