siskins

[suffolk]

I love siskins!

I see and hear them all the time while walking in the forest.

But how do I attract them into my garden?

Thanks for your replies.

[htcdude]

They'll eat most seeds (nyjer, sunflower kernel etc) that other finches eat, but particularly like Birch, Alder and Pine trees. Try planting some of those

Nige

[Dogghound]

What sort of area do you live in? surrounding habitat? nearest siskin population? They are essentially a woodland bird so as Nige says planting trees would be the best way of getting interest however this is not always practicle and is unlikely to improve the odds to much in such a small area. The only thing you can do is keep feeding the regular garden birds and eventually they may turn up during the winter. They often move around in search of food during the winter and the population increases as we get continental birds joining our resident ones.

[tigertom]

I get them most years on nyjer and sunflower feeders and on peanuts don't normally see them till late DEC or in JAN I do have lots of birch and alder near to me and have 2 large birch trees in garden and big alder just out side the garden which helps bring them in.
MIKE

[earthdragon64]

I get them all year round, but I live fairly near mixed woodland which is mostly Birch with some Alder, Rowan and Conifers. In the garden they eat Nijer and Sunflower seeds, but also peanuts.

I get quite large flocks, 50+ at times in cold weather, although around 20 is more usual. They can be quite feisty and stand up to the larger finches.

Regards, Audrey.

[Deb London]

I remember them feeding from a feeder at school. That was before nijer seed was "invented". I guess they ate peanuts. They might be more spoilt for choice and fussy these days.

The feeder was in a modern "courtyard" - totally surrounded by windows. There weren't bothered about being near people.

[~T~]

I had swarms of them for most of last winter and spring. They ate peanuts and nijer but went nuts for sunflower hearts. Once you get a few the rest will follow and unlike a lot of other finches they don't seem that shy and wary (sadly a local cat cottoned onto this quite quickly).

[actionfinch]

One bird i would love to see in may garden , if only the one time.....

[Billabong Karen]

I got lots this winter too - mostly on sunflower seeds. Lovely little birds.

[Jim Ford]

Originally Posted by actionfinch

One bird i would love to see in may garden , if only the one time.....

I find they come to S.W. Herts. late in winter - Feb. March. If you've got nijer seeds you'll get them.

Jim