Late yesterday (Thursday) I noticed a pale bird at the feeder. I looked a little closer and realized it was a redpoll. The more I looked at it, I realized it was likely a (female) Hoary! A redpoll at this time of year here is quite decent, but to have a Hoary is even better. I have never had a Hoary in the yard before. Even last year with all the redpolls around, I never saw a Hoary!
It was at the feeder again first thing this morning, and late today. I managed to get closer looks and it appears to be a Hoary. The size is a bit larger than the Common Redpoll. The rump is prominantly white with no streaking, and there is little streaking on the flanks and no streaking on the undertail coverts. The bill is stubbier and has the "pushed-in" look characteristic of the Hoary. The overall appearance is simply frostier-looking than what we usually see in a Common Redpoll.
I did get a few photos at some distance this evening.
Very cool re: Hoary!
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