Have You Seen A Siskin? The BTO Need to Know
A small yellow and black bird is invading gardens across the UK. The
Siskin has crossed the North Sea in large numbers this winter in
search of food and is finding it at feeding stations around the
country. The British Trust for Ornithology, who monitor the movements
of Britain's birds, would like to know the true extent of this invasion.
If you have seen one or more Siskins in your garden, the BTO wants to
know. The Siskin one of the smallest members of the finch family,
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 invade Britain's gardens.
March/April Best Time to See Siskins
Results from the BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch survey show that late March
and early April is the best time to see Siskins in gardens. The Trust
is already receiving reports from people that are seeing Siskins in
their gardens, and would like to know how widespread this year's
invasion is. 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.'
Siskin Description
The male Siskin is unmistakeable 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. For a free identification
leaflet, or to report Siskins in your garden, contact the GBW team on
01842 750050, or write to BTO, GBW, Room 09, The Nunnery, Thetford,
Norfolk, IP24 2PU.
The BTO monitors birds in gardens through the BTO/CJ Garden BirdWatch
survey. To receive a free information pack about the survey, please
send your name and address details to BTO, GBW, Room 09, The Nunnery,
Thetford, Norfolk, IP24 2PU, email gbw@bto.org or telephone 01842-750050.
Wildlife Extra: April 2008
