Hoary Redpolls ?

[Jim Almquist]

I have had up to 4 of these guys and these two have been hanging around for almost a month. They seem to show characteristics of a Hoary because they always want to feed on the ground and never in the feeder.

[Steve Foss]

Jim, nice work!

I've heard from several other birders that there seem to be a higher proportion of hoaries this year. We've had two consistently at our backyard feeder, and I was able to photograph two more at a feeding station out in the woods near Ely a couple weeks back. Dunno why the increase, but is sure is nice to see those pale ones.

[JayinMN]

Definite hoary. The second picture shows the tell tale white rump which is probably the best field mark on a hoary.

[Jim Almquist]

Thank guys

They sure do seem to stick out like a sore thumb. They are fun to watch just because they are not like the other Redpolls. This morning with the new snow I had to make sure to throw some seeds on the ground for them.