Fun surprise visitor
today, where I actually put on my spikes to refill baths and feeders because the frozen ground made puddles treachery… I had a Common Redpoll visit! These guys usually seem to appear in flocks but in my yard, they seemingly only come in singles. I had one single one last year and one today. They are tiny and cute. I hope he brings his whole family back tomorrow. The bird bath is clean and feeders are full.
The Common Redpoll
turned out to be a very cooperative little bird, checking out the camera feeders after he took at sip at the bird bath. Someone asked yesterday how to tell House Finches and Redpolls apart, and maybe these photos help a bit. Note that they are smaller than House Finches as well. And they seem to have a temperament similar to that of the Pine Siskins and Goldfinches.
Video: Backyard lifer!
Earlier today, a Common Redpoll graced my backyard. This was a wonderful surprise. Due to the irruption, they have been abundant in Michigan this winter, but I never had one right here. Now we can really move on to spring!
Sometimes the backyard birder
has to venture out to see birds that would never visit their yard. I heard that people saw Common Redpolls in the area, and I got lucky to find a little flock, happily munching on native grasses and berries. I have never seen those cuties before, so it was very special. They were mostly feeding on the ground, but at some point, one jumped onto this plant right in front of me. And I was happy to have my camera ready to go. We are expecting snow this week - stay warm and in good spirits!
