I was just remarking to DuBois that maybe the little things have decided that with Global Warming, may as well stay here to nest since the north is getting warm as well. The poor Goldfinches, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chickadees, etc, don't get a crack at the food all day until the Pine Siskins all suddenly vanish around 5 p.m.

I'm in the deep south and pine siskins showed up here this winter for the very first time. In all my years of bird feeding, I've never had them. WBU reports that everyone in the area is innundated with them. I was hoping they'd leave when the weather turned warm, but they are still here draining the feeders. Normally, I have dozens and dozens of goldfinches, but they are not around as much anymore. I guess the competition is too much for them. Wish I knew how to get rid of the siskins and still feed the finches.

I have lots too and this is the first time I have ever had any. I have over 20 at a time! I had a really bad time with one this morning. One had flew on a shepard's hook that I have and when I tried to help it, I noticed that one of it's legs was barely hanging and it looked like it was bleeding through the stomach. It stayed alive but barely. I tried my best to help but I knew there was nothing anyone could do at this point. It was in pure pain and misery and I'm not really sure what even happened to it. I shot it and killed it because it was suffering so bad. It was sad.

Great little birds in small groups. Some years they show up in huge flocks and gobble up all the food in no time. Some thing like Redpolls. It's all or nothing. Haven't had either this year.