On Tuesday's walk we marvelled at the colors, but spent a lot of time birding. There were mixed flocks of Ruby-crowned Kinglets, Golden-crowned Kinglets, Chickadees, Titmouses and Yellow-rumped warblers feeding in the tree tops. Robins were in large flocks feeding on grapes in the forest canopy. In the meadows we saw White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows and Juncos feeding. Some of the other birds that I have seen at Mariton include: Hermit Thrushes, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Purple Finches and Cedar Waxwings.
Last week, the Pine Siskins arrived at the feeder. In the winter of 2008-2009, Pine Siskins were the talk of bird watchers from the Mid-Atlantic to the Great Lakes. That winter Pine Siskins moved down from their northern haunts to take advantage of more abundant food. Everyone I talked to had large flocks of Pine Siskins at their feeders. While I don't know if Pine Siskins will be quite that abundant this winter, it is thrilling to see them back.
