Pine siskin

Those are the big three, but those are not the only birds.

There are also Woodhouse's Scrub-Jays, Mountain Chickadees, Pine Siskin, Evening Grosbeak, lots of Red-breasted Nuthatches moving around.

There have been Red-breasted Nuthatches reported in Mexico this fall, which is definitely a noteworthy sighting.

As I said, it is hard to know what is causing this, especially as it's happening right now.

Be sure to check the list provided by your state ornithologist union or birds records committee for a full list of species that can occur in your area along with any field guides that you use.

A more likely species, but one that I often struggle to find for my year list, the pine siskin is our next subject.

This is one of the winter finches I look forward to seeing the most every year.

They're tiny little birds, slightly smaller than a chickadee, but they stand out at the feeder.

Interestingly, they've only been reported in 98 of 99 Iowa counties.

I believe the missing county is Davis County, but if there's anyone from the Iowa Ornithologist Union listening that can confirm this for me, that would be great.

I will make it a goal in my coming winter to find a pine siskin in that county.

Their call is a nasally rising Z.

A close relative of the American goldfinch, the pine siskin has highlights of yellow over its olive green or brown striped body.

Its flashy wings in yellow and black are really striking.

Pine siskins are often found in conifer forests in the wild but can easily be attracted to backyard feeders offering the same foods given to their close relatives, the goldfinches.

This includes niger or thistle seed, safflower, and others.

Feeding thistle seed in a sock or tube feeder is one of the best ways to attract pine siskins.

Like goldfinches, they are able to easily extract the seeds through the mesh using their sharp, pointed beaks.

Keep watch over your backyard garden and feeders for the next several weeks as well as throughout the entire winter season for juncos, pine siskins, and more.

Looking for more tips? In the Midwest Garden with Rob Zimmer is available anytime at whby.com.