An irruption of finches

 

I learned a new word this week :)

We had a large number of small birds show up (no photos) that I believe were Pine Siskins. I was curious if the large flock showing up meant that these bird migrated, and I learned that they do, and that this year was a major ‘irruption’ of finches.

Since then, the Pine Siskins have moved on, but a different flock of Lesser Goldfinches showed up.  There were around 12 that launched in and around the Chinquapin oak this morning.  My thistle feeder, which has sat unloved

 for the last nine months (never needed to refill), has now been filled and is again half empty.