Speaking of Pine Siskins, there was one in my backyard birdbath this morning, mixed in with some WT Sparrows.
Stephen Jones
Bethesda, MD
-----Original Message-----
From: mike burchett <mikeburchett23...>
To: mdbirding <mdbirding...>
Sent: Thu, Apr 11, 2013 12:38 pm
Subject: Re: [MDBirding] Re: Pine Siskins
Hi all,
Pine Siskins could potentially breed on South Mountain, especially if they are being seen year round. I think this would be almost as likely as the sightings being part of a wandering population. But maybe not.
Pine Siskins can breed well outside their normal ranges after an irruption. So this year, especially, we should keep an extra eye on late individuals. In April 1988, Maryland's first Pine Siskin nest was found at Swallow Falls State Park in Garrett County after such an irruption (per 2nd Breeding Bird Atlas). This record was accompanied by several "breeding condition female" birds which were banded near Laurel (Patuxent NWR?) in the late 80s. Since then, Pine Siskins have become regular breeders in parts of Garrett but we should be on the lookout for breeding activity in other Maryland counties.
On a local note, Betsy and I had a small flock of Siskins fly over yesterday here in Ocean Pines. They were headed north. We also still have a couple Purple Finches and some Red-breasted Nuthatches hanging around as well.
Good birding,
Mike Burchett
Ocean Pines, MD
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeburchett/
On Thu, Apr 11, 2013 at 11:51 AM, Steve Huy <grisly.remains...> wrote:
Someone had inquired as to whether or not I was impying that pine siskins are breeding in the area. Thought it might be worthy of discussion as I know little about the habits of pine siskins.
The pine siskins I see on South Mountain near Boonsboro, MD throughout the year are in small flocks. As they are in flocks I doubt those birds are actively engaged in any activity that would indicate local breeding. When I lived in the area they never appeared at my feeders during the summer, I only ever saw them on the ridge.
My guess is its a wandering portion of a non-breeding population or they are finished or have not yet started breeding.
My hope is that eventually I'll begin a banding operation that might give a little more insight as to their appearance at the wrong time.
Steve Huy
Frederick, MD
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