Yesterday, Cleveland birders Paula Lozano and Bob Finkelstein joined me on a quick jaunt into the heart of Toledo in search of finches. Woodlawn Cemetery, our destination, has been hosting White-winged Crossbills and Common Redpolls for most of the winter. To cut to the chase, it didn’t take long before we were watching roughly 70 Common Redpolls and 45 White-winged Crossbills – not bad for a non-irruption year!
As I reported elsewhere, amongst the Common Redpolls was a good candidate for a female Hoary. A shorter, stubbier bill, clean rump and undertail coverts, thin streaking on its flanks and a generally frostier appearance is what caught my attention. I wasn’t able to get the greatest photos that would clinch its identification but would like to hear from others what they think. So far I’ve privately sent these photos to a few other birders and the general consensus is leaning towards Hoary.
 |
| Note pale rump and undertail coverts, thin streaking on flanks and general frostier appearance |
 |
| Unfortunately, none of my photos showed the short, stubby bill |
 |
| Angle showing frostier appearance |
3 comments:
I'd call that Hoary too...the third photo really shows how pale it is, and you can make out a total lack of streaking on the undertail coverts and rump in some others...and if you saw a stubby bill, I don't see why not.
Vulfinch.
Thhis is a great post
Post a Comment