Hello Tweeters,

The images referred to herein can be seen at http://pbase.com/kklasman/id_help

I'm a novice birder and could use some confirmation on a couple of new sightings of mine. First is what I think are Pine Siskins. When I first saw them I thought they were Goldfinches, which we see at our feeder regularly. But after I took these photos and consulted Sibley, I think they're Pine Siskins. I know they're not uncommon around here, but I've never ID'ed them before.

Second is what I think is a male Rusty Blackbird in breeding plumage. From my second floor window, I saw him land on my tray feeder. I ran downstairs to where I have my camera setup aimed at the feeders. While I didn't get him on the feeder, I did manage 2 shots of him on a nearby tree before he took off. He seems more slender than a red-winged Blackbird, and he has no wing bars. I never seen one like him before, and I guess they're somewhat uncommon around Issaquah.

Thanks in advance for any comfirmation, or corrections offered.

Kevin Klasman
Issaquah, WA
mailto:kk4sites at comcast.net