Common Redpolls coming
Common Redpolls are starting to arrive further south as we hit the beginning of meteorological winter (December 1-February 28/29). Here is one bird enjoying a little snow snack as well as the eBird range map of sightings for the species for October through December, 2014. Hold on to your socks! Or fill them with thistle seed and put them out for the birds…
Read MorePine Siskins extremely close feeding in snow
This group of Pine Siskins (Spinus pinus) was filmed extremely close up in HD as they hungrily fed on thistle seed during an unusually cold and snowy day. A few American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis) were mixed in the flock. Both species can be heard softly calling while chowing down.
Read MoreCommon Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)
One irruptive bird species we can anticipate seeing many more of soon is the Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea). Ron Pittaway’s 2014-15 winter finch forecast projected the species to make a “moderate to good flight” this fall and winter due to “variably poor to average” birch seed crops in the boreal forest. It can often take until December to really see them on the move but the forecast is already coming true in northern areas of the U.S. Get your thistle feeders ready now! Scott Kruitbosch Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
Read More