Fiesty Finches

Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls and American Goldfinches fighting for space

With the sun out and no wind (rather unusual for this winter!), I headed down to Rondeau Park. I walked around the campground. Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins were flying over. Towards the park gate, I heard a flock of White-winged Crossbills. There were atop a spruce tree. I caught sight of them before they took off.

Near the north end, there were Golden-crowned Kinglets, White-breasted Nuthatches a Carolina Wren and other birds including a White-throated Sparrow.

A lone female Red-winged Blackbird seemed out of place near the campground gate.

female Red-winged Blackbird

Walking back towards the car, I heard a kip kip kip that sounded much like a Red Crossbill. I never saw the bird, but I am sure that it was a Red Crossbill. This species is extremely rare in these parts. In fact I have only come across one ever before in Rondeau Park. (Actually that is the only one I have ever encountered in my life!). I never did get much of a look at that one, but its flight call was distinctive.

Here at home, the finch fest continues. Among the dozens of Goldfinches, the Common Redpolls and Pine Siskins are vying for space on the nyger feeders. A male Purple Finch stopped in briefly late this afternoon. That was a surprise, as this species is not seen too often around here. When they do show up, they never stay!

male Purple Finch (upper left) with Mourning Doves