Tweets,

I wonder about the suggestions that feeder diseases are literally decimating
siskin populations. We used to have flocks of dozens at our black-oil
feeders, but the two previous winters had only rare single birds. This winter
started out the same way, with only an occasional single bird. Then in
November we got a huge (for us) flock of more than fifty. Delighted --
they're more interesting than house finches -- I put out a thistle feeder
designed especially for them (holes are below perches, house finches evidently
do not feed upside down). Acrobats, they were.

Then came the cold snap in December, and they vanished. Back to only an
occasional single bird.

Did they die from some disease? I really doubt it. I didn't see any signs of
disease. The disappearance was instantaneous, not a gradual diminishing in
number. Several other comments also suggest that the siskins disappear
quickly.

So, does anyone know whether the December cold spell chased the siskins away?
The CBC's might show a trend compared to other years, but does anyone else get
a feeling that siskin numbers dropped during December?

For what it's worth, I am feeding with the kernels of the black-oil seeds, not
the whole seed. Cuts down tremendously on the mess below the feeder, and if
Jerry Converse's calculations of the relative weights of kernels and hulls are
correct then it's not much more expensive. Sure lasts longer in the feeder.
Only problem is keeping it dry. I gave up on the thistle, evidently as have
others. Impossible to keep condensation in the tube from getting the seed
wet, clogging the holes.

Of course, nothing contained herein is intended to lessen potential concerns
over feeders harming birds. With that lawyer-like disclaimer, ever enjoying
the lively Tweeters discussion, I am

Eric Stahlfeld
Burien