I had seen a Purple Finch at the birdbath (completely ignoring the feeders)
on Sept. 2nd (Clermont Co.).  It was present for two days.  I have not seen
it since.  Not many Cincinnati area records for early Sept.

As for attracting Pine Siskins, I have had flocks as high as 150+ in my yard
at one time.  This is a large # I know for so far south.  They (both siskins
and purple finches) like water.  Sometimes, they would come to the water and
completely ignore the Nyjer seed.  I think one big factor that is
overlooked, is that there is a good number of native sweet gum trees
around.  I have seen them get at the seed balls of this tree.   I also have
white pine, Norway spruce and blue spruce (and some red and Scottish pines
in the nearby woods).

Red-breasted Nuthatch is still around.

--
Donald Morse, Jr.
New Richmond, OH
http://users.adelphia.net/~morsedr/


On 9/13/07, William H. Fissell <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>
> Folks,
>
> I have been very interested by the reported purple finch sightings, as I
> have not been able to attract them to feeders, either in Ohio or SE
> Michigan, despite good numbers seen at nearby feeders on occasion. My
> feeder setup consists of two feeding stations about 100 feet apart, each
> with separate thistle, sunflower, millet and water supplies.   The
> feeders usually attract house and goldfinches in good numbers, titmice,
> chickadees, nuthatches (though no red-breasted ones yet here in Ohio)
> cardinals, jays, chipping, song, and fox sparrows. The Brecksville yard
> list broke 50 this week with common nighthawks, and I just got here this
> year.
>
> Any special tips for attracting purple finches or pine siskins, two
> species I have always wanted and never gotten? I have a few Norway
> Spruces in with the silver maples.
>
> Also, does the appearance of red-breasted nuthatches and purple finches
> now imply anything about grosbeaks and crossbills later this winter?
>
> best,
>
> Bill
>
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