Whatbird.com

(Photo taken: Woodinville, WA, outside of Seattle)

This little bird was flapping wildly and getting nowhere today when I went out to refill my bird feeders. Inside now, away from the cats and hawks, and hopefully back to good health soon.

Can't identify it, though. Suspect it might be a female immature song sparrow?

 

It is a Pine Siskin, a finch that is a close relative of Goldfinches.

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2008 Yard List: 126
Recent: White-winged Crossbill, Pine Siskin
Highlights: Hoary Redpoll, Golden Eagle, Fish Crow
2008 Year List: 197
Recent: Pine Siskin, Northern Gannet, Red-necked Grebe
Highlights: Cackling Goose, Black Vulture, Merlin

cnybirder:

It is a Pine Siskin, a finch that is a close relative of Goldfinches.   I second that!

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"You can shoot all the blue jays you want, if you can hit 'em, but remember it's a sin to kill a mockingbird." Atticus Finch

Yup...it's a Pine Siskin youngster. Cute little buggers

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"We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals."
Immanuel Kant

Do be carefull with it! By removing this bird from the outdoors, its parents, most likely still around, are probably looking for it. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but by taking this fellow, you are kind of ruining any chance of survival he has. That is, unless, you turn him in to an animal rehabilitation center or veterinary office. Otherwise, by returning it to outside, the chances of it surviving may be better, but you still should keep a close eye on him. I don't mean to feel harsh, but these are really the only humane options. You know what to do anyway, so good luck.

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ZBirdNerd

YEAR LIST 2009: 42 (so far)
Recents: Tufted Titmouse, Great Blue Heron, Cooper's Hawk, Northern Shoveler

LIFE LIST: 189
Recents: Northern Shoveler, White-Crowned Sparrow, Northern Goshawk

Song Sparrow seems certain.  But with sparrows, you can't tell sex -- unless they're in breeding condition and you've found a brood patch.

mynameistaken ... Welcome to Whatbird...

Fraser

Definitely a pine siskin, as already mentioned, but I'm not sure it's a juvenile.  The flight feathers are fully grown, so if it can't fly it must be injured.  I would get it to a rehab facility ASAP.

Good luck,

Scott

Not sure what brought this thread back into play, but I originally posted this at the end of last year. Unfortunately, the day after this picture was taken, the little guy died. We were snowed in from the terrible storms that hit the Seattle area in late December, so I never even got a chance to get it to an animal rescue. Sad day.