I watched a juvenile Pine Siskin at our feeders for 10 minutes this
morning.  It was with 2 adults, who were consuming thistle seeds with gusto
and ignoring its occasional begging.  It never did feed itself, and they
finally flew off.  Juveniles are distinguishable from adults by their dull
yellowish wash on the underparts and a broad buffy wingbar.  Unfortunately
(for atlassing purposes), it can't be counted as a locally-produced young,
as family groups often move some distance after young fledge.  This bird
appeared to be fully grown and could easily have been out of the nest a
week or more.  I have looked for signs of nesting birds in a few likely
places nearby (a cemetery and some large stands of Norway spruce), but come
up empty.  So, there are clearly siskins breeding locally this year, and
the window for confirming them may be beginning to close.  Keep a close eye
out!

New arrivals at my house in Norwich this morning included singing Wood
Thrush and Scarlet Tanager.

Chris

Chris Rimmer
Vermont Institute of Natural Science
2723 Church Hill Road
Woodstock, VT 05091-9773
802-457-1053 ext. 120
802-457-1053 fax
www.vinsweb.org