Jan 12

Bark Butter Entices Irruption?

By Brian Cunningham Birds, Common Redpolls, Events, Pine Siskin, Purple Finch, Winter Finch Irruption 5 Comments »

Photo courtesy Nancy Castillo, co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited Saratoga Springs, NY

Every year, the birding community looks forward to the Winter Finch Forecast. It is a scientific prediction / educated guess of the irruption (mass movement of birds looking for food) out of the Northern Boreal Forests. This year it looked liked Pine Siskin would not irrupt south.

Well, word must have spread to the Northern Boreal Forests about Jim’s Birdacious Bark Butter! We are getting reports of Pine Siskin and other irruptive winter finches visiting backyard feeders and enjoying this unique, tasty energy-treat.

I have been officially tracking the number of species attracted to Bark Butter since its public debut in 2008. I am excited that Pine Siskin are the newest addition as the 107th bird species added to the Bark Butter Bird List.

What’s even more exciting is that we have added three winter finches to the list this year: Common Redpoll, Purple Finch and Pine Siskin.

Bark Butter may not really be the reason Pine Siskins decided to irrupt; but, they are fun to have at your feeders. Who’s eating Bark Butter in your yard?

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