Unexpected Drove of Pine Siskins

An irruption year

for pine siskins in Georgia

driven by climate

Here by the dozens

I counted nineteen at once

perched on the feeders

From same family

as American goldfinch

Shared genus: Spinus

Smaller, but louder

meowing like their cousins

sounding like kittens

Sometimes they raise a 

hint of a crest on the top

of their dainty heads

Not the least bit shy

these cute small streaky brown birds

with yellow edged wings

don't fly as soon as

most, at Backyard Spectator's

approach with camera

They all stare right back

Curious or aggressive?

Size of a large thumb

~dkm 18/52