Siskins have been spotted all over the country this spring. This bird does not go unnoticed in its bright yellow plummage. A beautiful male has been in our garden for a few days now mingling with the Redpolls and eating sunflower seeds.

The Siskin is a common bird in European forests and a frequent vagrant in Iceland in spring and autumn. In recent years they  have also started breeding in South Iceland but information is limited. We hope that this male will survive the cold spell and go on to find a mate to breed with here in Iceland. The Siskin is a nice addition to the scarce birdlife in the fast growing Icelandic forests.

The Siskin is a familiar guest in our garden both in spring and autumn. In their yellow plumage they are easy to spot and they always spark joy. This spring a male and a female have come into the garden together, so hopefully they will manage to breed and produce healthy offsprings.

Siskins have probably started breeding in Iceland some years ago, but they are migrators and fly South in winter. They are forest birds that mostly eat seeds from trees such as birch, conifers and elders. Their habitat is in Europe and the east part of Asia.

A Siskin appeared in the garden this week, one of its kind. It stayed for two days and then was on its way. Such a beautiful bird and easy to notice in its bright yellow and black plumage that catches the eye. It is an annual guest here in spring and autumn.

The Siskin is a favoured guest in our garden. It is rather rare here although a frequent vagrant in Iceland. In the last few years they have come here in the spring and autumn, usually one or two birds, staying only for a few days. The Siskin may have started breeding regularly in the fast growing Icelandic forests but records are limited.

The Siskin stands out among the Redpolls on our feeders in their beautiful yellow and grey colours. The male is more prominent as the yellow colours contrast with the black.

For a week now three have been visiting. Whether they plan to stay for the winter remains to be seen but we make the most of their stay and watch them as they mingle with Redpolls and Crossbills. Their stay will most likely be temporary, our garden only a stopover before they leave for warmer climates.