I went to Evangola State Park today to see if, by some miracle, the Eared Grebe found a few days ago remained. Unfortunately, it didn't - or it was among some of the birds that were too far out on the lake for me to ID. Well, my spirits weren't dampened as the day was just beautiful: a balmy 49° F, calm, and clear. I couldn't have left the park yet even if I had wanted to.
I put my scope in the car and started walking towards the woods. I enjoyed a nice, little group of Eastern Bluebirds; they always make me smile. They were softly calling along with several other
passerines that were chirping and cheeping: a cardinal, nuthatches, chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, goldfinches... Their sweet music all added to the peace and beauty of the day.
Suddenly, a sound burst overhead: "chi chi chi"! I knew this call immediately! It was a Common Redpoll flying right over me - I couldn't believe it! I had studied this bird's call a lot in the beginning of the winter so I knew it right away. It took me a minute or two, but I finally found the solo bird, a female, perched nicely in a nearby tree. Thankfully, it hadn't kept flying; it landed! But just one? I was puzzled by that because they usually travel in flocks. I have had single sightings before, but not often.
Keeping a respectful distance, I followed the little one around for awhile. I watched it forage, preen, scratch an itch, and I even got to hear it call a few more times as it flew from tree to tree. Finally, it took off for good, out of eyesight - but what a lovely experience that was! After longing for them to show up at my home feeders each day, this was probably the best scenario I could have hoped for. I wish this little gal well and I hope she finds some more of her kind to flock with.
If you're not familiar with Common Redpolls, this is a pretty, little songbird from the arctic tundra and boreal forest. We only get to see them in Western New York during winters when there is a shortage of the small seeds they eat, mainly birch seeds in winter. This year is one of those years and that's why I've been staring at my feeders every day anxiously hoping to see one. If you'd like to see a Common Redpoll at your feeders, visit
Wild Birds Unlimited and stock up on nyjer thistle! Did you know that a redpoll can survive temperatures of -65°? Amazing! And some will tunnel under the snow to keep warm.
Anyway, a little while later, I saw a Red-headed Woodpecker that must be over-wintering in the park again. I got a few shots of him as he was working around a tree cavity. Right after that, thunder began rumbling in the distance and I knew my time was limited. As I headed out of the park, one last bird, a Merlin, flew by and perched in a tree - a sweet way to end the day.
All in all, it was a beautiful gift of a day in the normally dismal month of January - jam packed with some great birds too - wow!