Siskin-Breeding times?

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

One for the east of england birders here just wondering what time of year Siskin usually leave the east of england to breed? we still have plenty around Grimsby and i'd have thought they might have gone by now

[matt_xyz]

Still plenty where I live too (Leicestershire/Derbyshire border). I didn't realise they would be leaving to breed - where will they go? I've only become familiar with them this year due to the purchase of a niger feeder, I don't think I'd ever laid eyes on one previously.

If they're going to be disappearing soon I had better try to get some more photos quick!

Matt

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Generally they breed on the west side of the coutry and in scotland

http://www.rspb.org.uk/birds/guide/s/siskin/index.asp

[matt_xyz]

that's interesting thanks. I'll miss them when they go, they've been a very welcome splash of colour in our garden in recent weeks.

Interesting that the RSPB guide mentioned them being attracted to peanuts but didn't mention niger seed. That's all they eat in my garden.

Matt

[Wild-Woman]

Hope my siskins stay here. I have got very attached to them. ww

[nirofo]

Siskins are breeding from about now until August, sometimes later! I'm not sure about the south of England but they certainly breed all the way up the country from Yorshire to the north coast of scotland. They nest mainly in coniferous woodland, but regularly nest in other suitable trees, I've had several nests in lichen covered birches in the north of Scotland.

Here's a picture of a male displaying to another male near it's nest.

nirofo.

[wildone]

nirofo, a lovely picture and one I would like to see in the gallery.

[nightshade]

It is the first time that I have had siskins and it would be nice if they stayed,
they have been going through canary seed and sunflower hearts faster than the goldfinches and other birds put together