Last Day of the Year

On this last day of the year, it is snowing heavily - already 6-8". Birding is being done from the comfort of the home. The feeders are a frenzy of activity.

Siskins are abundant. This flock is picking seeds from the protected porch.

We are pretty much hunkering down - going to the last night activities tonight will have to await a decision. Maybe if the roads are cleared some. One cat is curled near the wood stove. The other, Lady, has been watching cat television in the kitchen.

Sometimes she gets so excited with what she is watching, that she tries to interact. Note the water bottle behind her; that so we can spray her when she gets on the table, thereby conditioning her to stay off the table. She could care less!

Hope your New Year's birding is good as Lady's is today!

Pine Siskins

Pine Siskins have irrupted in my backyard. For a couple of weeks, an estimated 20-30 siskins have been regular at the feeders, often outnumbering the goldfinches with which they seem to be flocking. I've only seen a scattering of reports about siskins elsewhere, but maybe (I hope) this is the first sign of a winter finches this year.