There has been an invasion of sorts - the pine siskins are back in good numbers.
Siskins are small finches related to goldfinches and redpolls. Look for their striped, brownish plumage with yellow wing bars - some are very colourful indeed (wing bars). Siskins may be mistaken for winter plumage goldfinches with which they commonly associate. American goldfinches lose their brilliant summer breeding plumage and winter males come to resemble females. However, goldfinches are not striped like siskins and they have different voices. The siskins call is said to sound like someone drawing their thumbnail across a plastic comb (John Neville and Mel Coulson - Beginners Guide to B.C. Bird Song CD, an excellent resource for birders).
These invasions (birds arriving in big numbers) are called irruptions and are thought to be driven by food supplies, e.g. the seed crops of alders and birches. These trees are good places to watch and listen for feeding birds like siskins, goldfinches and other finches.
Siskins are common visitors to local bird feeders that are supplied with black oil sunflower or Nyjer, sometimes called thistle (which it is not).
In the flocks of siskins keep a close watch for common redpolls. Redpolls look like siskins but with a pinkish blush on the breast and crown. Common redpolls summer in the far north tundra, migrating south to winter.
Speaking of finches, there have been reports of white-winged crossbills, red crossbills and gray-crowned rosy-finches at Mount Seymour Provincial Park (at sub elevations). Safety note: take full precautions when venturing onto mountain trails, especially in winter. Even if it is a short walk, be prepared.
The recent sighting of a snow bunting at the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats is very exciting. This species breeds in the tundra and is rarely seen locally. Plumages at this time of the year are white with rusty patches and black wing tips. Look for snow buntings foraging amongst piles of seaweed on beaches. They may be feeding on beach hoppers, small creatures related to shrimps and crabs, etc. (crustaceans). Hoppers are found in seaweed in great numbers and are fed on by other wildlife. The bunting was seen for a few days but keep looking - it is not even winter yet, and it may return.
Some fruits, like hawthorn and Pacific crabapple, linger on the trees well into winter. They are a great attraction for robins, waxwings, purple finches and varied thrush.
Varied thrushes have been seen in good numbers in recent weeks, perhaps retreating from the local mountains as winter closes in at higher elevations.
The cedar waxwing is our most commonly seen waxwing species, but, keep watch for Bohemian waxwings with the cedars, or even on their own. Since we are usually looking up at birds in the trees, look for the rusty colour under the Bohemian's tail.
Come out and enjoy the new bird feeding stations at the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats. It is a great way to get close up views of birds like spotted towhees, fox and song sparrows, hairy and downy woodpeckers, finches and more.
Best wishes for the holiday season. Keep safe.
Al Grass is a naturalist with Wild Bird Trust of British Columbia, which offers free walks at The Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats on the second Saturday of every month. The next walk will be Saturday, Dec. 12 starting at 10 a.m. Participants will be looking and listening for the birds that will be staying the winter at the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats. Meet at WBT's site office, 2645 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver. Walks go rain or shine. wildbirdtrust.org
