Pine Siskins

What wildlife have you observed in the park lately? Our Rangers recently found a noisy flock of pine siskins visiting the Longmire Meadow. A few individuals from this group were filmed exploring one of the Longmire mineral springs, possibly enticed by the bubbling waters to come down for a drink. Pine siskins form nomadic flocks that can travel widely in winter as they look for food. They are commonly glimpsed flitting between treetops and hanging from branches to collect seeds. Caution: The mineral springs are not safe for people to drink from, though historically the waters were once promoted as a health tonic. NPS Video filmed March 2026. Description: Several small birds with streaked brown and white feathers fly down to a bubbling minerals spring mostly enclosed by a rock wall. In a gap in the wall where the spring water meets a wood boardwalk, the birds land and drink from the water, which is streaked with bright green algae. Most of the birds fly off, while one bird continues to drink at the edge of the spring before flying off as well.