Our backyard is flooded with Pine Siskins this year! They are one of those birds that may randomly appear one year, and then disappear until several years later. When they do show up, it’s in full force and is called an irruption!
These tiny little birds may be small in stature, but they have big appetites, and even bigger attitudes!
Several Siskins were eating at the new feeding trough and were none too pleased when a female Red-bellied Woodpecker swooped in.
I guess no one told her that you really shouldn’t mess with the mini’s!
They momentarily scattered, but then kept swooping back at her, clearly reluctant to relinquish their feeder.
Wisely, she opted to grab a peanut and quickly be on her way.
These feisty little finches aren’t above being a bit bullyish when they want something. The bluebird in the video below was trying to enjoy a peaceful bath, but the Siskins kept darting about trying to persuade her to leave. You can see their shadows as they fly by.
Perhaps if this mass of Siskins stick around long enough the other birds will learn that although they are tiny they are not to be trifled with!
Backyard Bird Nerd 
Thank you for great shots all year! Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you as well!
I saw one pine siskin on my feeder this week. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one before. I looked it up in my bird book because I didn’t know what it was. After I read what was there I was surprised it was here on it’s own, as they apparently travel in large groups. I’m waiting to see if they come back. It’s possible I’ve had them, I do know there’s been a lot of little brown birds flocking around that I hadn’t been paying attention to.
Great capture of all the drama!
Thanks!