Sunday, March 24, 2013

March 22, 2013 Redpoll feeding frenzy at Hilda Road Feeder.

The feeding frenzy of redpolls continues at the Hilda Road feeders located near Shirley's Bay.  This afternoon both subspecies of Hoary and Common Redpoll were present feeding and very tame. There were 250+ Southern Common Redpoll, 1 Greater (rostrata) Common Redpoll, 5-6 Southern (exilipes) Hoary Redpoll, and 1 Hornemann's (hornemanni) Hoary Redpoll.  This was one of the best studies I've ever had of all the redpolls. Below is a series of photos of all 4 subspecies.  The feeders are located off Rifle Road. Take Carling Ave. west from Moodie Drive and follow Carling Ave. and turn right on Rifle Road. Follow north towards river and take first right Lois Ave. and then right on Hilda Road. With the mild temperatures on the way it's difficult to know how long these redpolls will remain in the area. It is a worthwhile outing to make and study these birds. The redpolls were still present on March 23rd.  




Southern Hoary Redpoll 


Greater Common Redpoll 

Southern Common Redpoll

Southern Hoary Redpoll  


Southern Common Redpoll male


Hornemann's Hoary Redpoll

Hornemann's Hoary Redpoll 

Snowshoe Hare 

Southern Common Redpoll 

Southern Common Redpoll


A mixed flock of Southern Common Redpoll both male and female along with a Hornemann's  Hoary Redpoll.  Note the larger size of the Hornemann's Hoary Redpoll. 

Hornemann's Hoary Redpoll. 


Hornemann's Hoary Redpoll. 


Southern Hoary Redpoll with Southern Common Redpoll. 


Hornemann's Hoary Redpoll 

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