Almost everyone that feeds birds in our area has had Pine Siskins at their feeders this year. This is the first year in 3 years that we have had siskins at our winter feeders. Pine Siskins often hang around with Goldfinches, which are similar in size, and also similar when viewed from the back.  There also have been reports of Pine Grossbeaks in S.E. Minnesota.  This year may be what is called an "irruption" or "invasion" year with more species comming down from up north than usual.
TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF THE NATURAL WORLD GO UP AND TO THE RIGHT AND CLICK ON DECEMBER 2012.