Hi Larry,

Wow...I would have really struggled with your bird. When I first saw the Charlotte bird, I was sort of thinking...have I ever ACTUALLY seen a Hoary Redpoll now that I know what one really looks like. But, replaying the sighting back in my head, it seemed like it had to be a leucistic individual. I was so glad to see the pictures that the Fauchers posted. 

Your bird is definitely a much more challenging ID.

All the best,
Allan




-----Original Message-----
From: Vermont Birds [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Larry Clarfeld
Sent: Monday, January 11, 2021 12:00 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VTBIRD] The "Angel" Redpoll of Thompson's Point

Thanks for sharing this, Allan, what a gorgeous bird! And this year, probably more rare than a Hoary Redpoll!

I saw a similar (although slightly less frosty) bird during a past redpoll eruption, 10 years ago, that got me really excited. Chip Darmstadt was the one who helped me determine it to be a leucistic individual, but it really stood out and got my heart beating! Some photos of that individual are in the links below.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/27953043@N08/5337965708/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/27953043@N08/5337965982/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/27953043@N08/5337965844

Good birding,
Larry

On Sun, Jan 10, 2021 at 7:59 PM Allan Strong <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi VT Birders,
>
> Over the last few days there has been a tremendous redpoll flock on 
> Thompson's Point Road in Charlotte. There have been a number of 
> reports of Hoary Redpolls from the area and one individual in 
> particular has given new meaning to the concept of "frosty." I was 
> with Clem Nilan when I saw this bird and we were both really amazed by 
> how light this bird was. Luckily, Marc and Peggy Faucher got a couple 
> pictures of this bird and they were kind enough to allow me to post 
> their photos on the always enlightening "Finches, Irruptions, and Mast Crops" Facebook page.
>
> The consensus from all who responded to the post was that this 
> individual was not a Hoary Redpoll, but presumably a leucistic Common 
> Redpoll, which apparently has a cool vernacular name - the Angel Redpoll.
> https://www.facebook.com/groups/3015382321871572
>
> Although not a Hoary Redpoll, this is a really stunning bird, and 
> worth a look. Given the number of Hoary Redpolls that are being seen 
> this year, there may be others in this flock.
>
> All the best,
> Allan
>