Abington Naturewatch: Siskin - a finch from the north

Saturday, 3 February 2018

Siskin - a finch from the north

Andy M has been lucky enough to have one or two male Siskin visit the feeders over the last week or so, and got chance to take a few photos today. This slender, streaky, yellow-green finch has broad yellow and black bands on the wings, a yellow rump and yellow patches at the base of the tail. The males also having a characteristic black cap and chin, with a yellow stripe behind the eye.

A winter visitor to south and eastern Britain, travelling from Wales and northern Britain, as well as across from northern Europe, Siskin are usually seen on alder and birch trees, acrobatically feeding on seeds. However, they will occasionally visit feeders, especially in mixed flocks of finches and redpoll - as was the case in Andy's garden.

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The Aims of Abington Naturewatch

At their meeting on 9 April 2005 the members approved this revised version of the aims of Abington Naturewatch:

To monitor and record the wildlife (fauna & flora) within the borders of the Abingtons;
To encourage protection of our wildlife, maintain its quality and foster its diversity;
To promote awareness of the richness, potential and problems of the natural environment of the Abingtons;
To cooperate in improving access to the local natural environment for the benefit of all Abington villagers.

Pat Daunt, Founder

The organisation is informal and communication is by email if possible; members are notified of events from time to time. Contact details are maintained by a small "project team". There is currently no membership fee as costs are covered by voluntary contributions at events.

Members are encouraged to report notable sightings of flora and fauna within the Abingtons to the appropriate sector coordinator and an illustrated record is published annually.

A map of the area covered, with some features noted, is available here: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=213774935674882866424.00000111dca2be9f06ab8&z=13>

For more information or to join, please contact David Farrant on (01223) 892871.

Contributions to our records should be sent to sector contacts or either of the above. Photographs may also be submitted to Andy Merryweather (amerryweather61@gmail.com)