While between Pemberton and Whistler last weekend I learned first
hand what gregarious, may flock by the thousands, means when describing
Pine Siskin.

On my way down the highway, I caught a brief glimpse of a swirling flock
of birds, similar to Western Sandpiper or Dunlin, in a clearing of a
mixed conifer, deciduous woodlot surrounded by flat (no snow)
agricultural fields. I immediately pulled off to the road shoulder and
walked back toward the spectacle and noted another flock of a few
hundred of these birds on the opposite side of the road. They would fly
down from the trees to the ground and land with the following bird
landing in front of the preceding bird, giving a rolling effect much
like the Quellia I have seen on TV programs. Beside me on my side of
the road there was a flock twice the size performing the same feat. You
could hear the wind in their wings. I walked back toward the clearing
only to witness hundreds more swirling amongst the trees. The whole
woodlot was alive with white noise, coming from the hundreds more that
were unseen in the woods. Spectacular!

Ken Klimko
Richmond BC