Wish I were closer to enjoy the show. Have you posted photos in ebird?

Ruth Stewart
E Dorset

On Tue, Jan 26, 2021 at 6:04 PM Allan Strong <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> Hi VTBIRDERS,
>
> We've had 1-2 Hoary Redpolls at our feeders for the last few days. Because
> of the pandemic, working from home, and an overly protective dog, it's been
> challenging to figure out exactly how to invite folks over to see these
> cool birds.
>
> So, we're trying a test run tomorrow, Wednesday only (for the time being).
> Buzzy will be at doggy day care until 4:00ish. Feel free to come by and
> take a look.
>
> Here is the Redpoll Rulebook:
> - We are at 9 Sebring Road in South Burlington. Park in the street and
> enter the backyard on the left side of the house through the arbor so you
> don't flush the birds from the feeders
> - The best viewing is from the deck, so feel free to walk up onto the deck
> - The birds have been coming consistently, but erratically. I would say
> between 8:30 and 3:30 are the best times.
> - We have no idea how many people might be interested or have time to stop
> by, so please wear a mask and be sure to social distance
> - Generally the birds are fairly tolerant of people, but use common sense
> (don't yell, walk too close to the feeders, or make sudden movements)
>
> ID'ing a Hoary Redpoll:
> - There seem to be about 50-75 Common Redpolls in the group, with two
> individuals that are definite Hoary Redpolls. There are 1-2 others that are
> hoary-like, but I can't say for sure.
> - Focus on the very light gray back and faint streaking on the sides and
> flanks. Both definitive Hoaries have unstreaked rumps and only a wisp of
> streaking on the undertail coverts. The maybe-hoaries have much more
> definitive streaking on the flanks.
> - One Hoary seems to only feed on the ground below the left feeder. The
> other moves around between feeders and on the ground.
> - I'll be in and out of meetings, but I'll try to be around with some ID
> help.
>
> If the birds stick around and we can safely host birders, we'll try to do
> it again.
>
> All hail the glorius hoarius!
> Allan
>


-- 
Ruth Stewart
E. Dorset VT