Siskins in Watford

[turnersky2]

Is it unusual to have migrant siskins as far south as watford? They have been on our feeder for a week now, counted 5. My field guide is very old and shows migrants from scandinavia arriving and wintering in scotland. There are several acres of semi-natural woodland around us, but no conifer woodland. Love to know

[htcdude]

How old is your field guide?

Siskin are pretty widespread all over the country now I think. Every year there's a good number around Stocker's Lake area, and there's usually sightings often around London.

Welcome to the forum by the way

Nige

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by turnersky2

Is it unusual to have migrant siskins as far south as watford? They have been on our feeder for a week now, counted 5. My field guide is very old and shows migrants from scandinavia arriving and wintering in scotland. There are several acres of semi-natural woodland around us, but no conifer woodland. Love to know

I've seen them feeding on the alders in Cassiobury Park, also get them in the garden with redpolls on the nijer seed feeders.

Jim

[turnersky2]

Thank you for replies, think I better update my field guide its very old. It wasn't until I started putting husked seeds on my feeder that I started getting a wider variety of birds, Goldcrest, brambling, siskins, goldcrest, redpole and more.

[htcdude]

You're lucky to get those! I hardly get anything other than Pigeons

Can I recommend this field guide:

Collins Bird Guide: Amazon.co.uk: Lars Svensson, Killian Mullarney, Dan Zetterström, Peter J. Grant: Books

Nige

[actionfinch]

welcome to WAB
Not one to boast but like htcdude said i see c 20 siskins at stockers lake yesteday.
And i got the guide htcdude is on about and dont let it out of my sight..

[aeshna5]

Mainly a winter visitor in the south when they can be locally abundant, usually found on Alders or Larches. Much scarcer + localised as a breeding bird down here.