Angus W
To counteract the grey drizzle of today. Here's a couple of pics from a sunny morning earlier in the week. I've been hearing siskins about quite a bit recently but mostly up high and too far off for a photo. But had a small group (~6) feeding on alder-cones (?? is that right) near the river that allowed me to watch from closer. Seem to spend as much time upsidedown as the right way up, and constantly chittering away within the group.
#UKbirds #UKwildlife #birding
Mar 10, 2024 at 11:41amWeb
Show threadCrazy-to-BikeMar 10, 2024
@AngusW

🤩
Show threadHelen ClaytonMar 10, 2024

@AngusW great pics!

I’ve only ever seen one or two siskins close up, but when I was out walking the other day I heard the chittering you describe, and looked up to see a huge flock moving through a line of trees.

Show threadAngus WMar 10, 2024
@helenclayton Hey Helen 👋
Yep, I've mostly found them in larger groups high up in birch trees and often hear them before I see them.
Wonderful to watch when you get to see them closer up.
Show threadHelen ClaytonMar 10, 2024
@AngusW Hi! We’ve had a couple in the garden once or twice but the closest I’ve got is where someone has set up feeders by the gateway to a private woodland nearby. I probably could have walked up and touched the siskins. Again only one or two birds.
Show threadJames GilbertMar 10, 2024
@AngusW Yes, alder.
Show threadAngus WMar 10, 2024
@jgrg 👍 thanks James
Show threadJames GilbertMar 10, 2024
@AngusW Alder has symbiotic, nitrogen fixing bacteria in nodules in its roots, allowing it to grow in permanently waterlogged soil. That's why it's found on riverbanks.