Ed III, Michelle, Ed Jr., and Chazzy Talbott braved the elements today and hiked up Caney Island Branch in Buchanan County. There was about 5 inches of snow on the mountain and the winter scenery was spectacular. We found Winter Wrens, a pair of Pileated Woodpeckers and at one point had both a Downy and Hairy Woodpecker in the same tree. Dad reported a large flock of Siskins at his feeders so after lunch I decided to try to count them. My best estimate was about 470 Siskins, 19 Goldfinch, and 8 House Finch. There was also a small feeder behind the house with about 30 birds that I did not try to count. Dad reported that they are going through about 12 pounds of seed a day and consumed over 200 pounds of black oil sunflower seed in January. Overall, a nice winter day.