Over the last week I have been hearing siskins passing over nearly every day. Siskins are not very common in the East Neuk, but there are periodic “irruptions” when larger numbers pass through. Siskins are seed eaters like crossbills and so when there are good tree seed crops they have a very good breeding season and can then suddenly become common in new areas when they disperse for the winter. The males are quite obvious on good views – yellowy green and black, but they tend to stick to the tops of trees. Their “see-uuu” flight call is the best indication that they are about: it’s one of the commonest sounds in the wooded Highlands and the West of Scotland, but usually rare here.
Wild Crail 
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