Pine Siskins Taking A Bath photos by Larry Jordan
I had hundreds of Pine Siskins in my yard today, the last day of the Great Backyard Bird Count. They were literally falling out of the sky. They were on the feeders and there were so many on the ground, it looked like the ground was alive. Every once in awhile, something would spook them and there would be a flurry of wings as they took off, up into the trees. A few minutes later, they would fly back and continue where they left off.
They were also in my pond and bathing in the waterfall. I took a series of photos of the bathing Siskins. At times they were almost entirely under water. Mind you, it was 37 degrees outside.
It was a Great Backyard Bird Count that I spent the entire time at home, relaxing and watching birds. I had a total of 16 species, including 113 Pine Siskins, several who bathed in my pond.
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What great photos to see to start my dreaded work day. I love to watch birds bathe and miss it so much.
LOVE the first photo!
Great series of photos!
I love shooting action photos, firing away to catch that unique picture.
Nice waterfall. The rocks look real, but I must ask… is it a home made waterfall or a manufactured one? I take it the water comes from the pond.
Fantastic shots Larry. Did you get a good count of the little buggers.
They are splashing up a storm! Love the capture of water droplets in the air. Can you give more info about your pond/waterfall?
WisconsinBirders last blog post..Bird Photography Weekly – White-winged Crossbill
Hey Larry,
Love your pond! Looks like it really brings in the birds. I hope to add one in my garden one of these days.
Alans last blog post..Counting Birds from the Bed
Larry..I wanted to make sure that you and your readers know about the Morning Song Suet recall posted by Bird Chick
Scott’s Recall of Suet
Click here to download details on product manufacturing dates and UPC numbers involved in the recall. Products involved in the recall, only for items manufactured between Dec. 27 and Jan. 17, are:
• Morning Song Nutty Safari Suet, 11 oz.
• Morning Song Woodpecker Suet 3 pack, 1.78 lbs.
• Royal Wing Raisin Suet, 11.75 oz.
• Morning Melodies Variety Suet (3 count).
• Morning Song Variety 15-pack suet, multi-pack with 15 suets and feeder.
Hi Larry,
My very favorite birdwatching activity is birds bathing. They always look so happy. My favorite shot is the 6th one down. Awesome!
Amber Coakleys last blog post..Duck Duck Goose: Northern Pintail
@Kallen thanks. I love to watch them bathe too. At least you can get on the internet at work, some of us can’t 🙁
@John it’s fun shooting action photos huh? The “water feature” I made with the help of my backhoe operator and it’s all real rock. You can see more of it here
@Jim I counted around 115 Pine Siskins Monday
@Tammy check out the comment above for the link. I guess I should put it in the post duh!
@Alan the moving water brings in birds like you can’t believe! Check the link above or the one I put in the post now 😉
@Michelle thanks for the suet info. Other than making my own I buy C&S suet for the jays and according to their site their products are OK
@Amber thank you very much. They are fun to watch for sure.
These are great Larry! Wonderful captures.
I’ve tagged you for a photo meme. Wanna play?
Terri – teelgees last blog post..Cruel meme. 5th folder, 5th photo, post, tag
It’s a ‘siskin’ kind of year for most birders I know! You have some neat shots, there. I’d love to see some bigger pictures of that pond and waterfall! We are thinking of putting a small one in this year (just for the birds, of course). We have a creek that runs through our property – but would like to have some nice rocks and a small water feature.
Bird Girls last blog post..Immature RSH again!
@Terri sorry but I can’t take on any more memes
@Barb the link to the pond photo is in the post and it’s here: My Pond
Good morning, Larry… just came by to check on IATB, and found a post on one of my favorites! Pine siskins are, to me, the best reminders of the dino-bird relationship– I love to watch them sparring and hissing at each other.
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