Redpoll-palooza

The best Christmas gift I got this year was the return of the Redpolls. Zoey and I had been waiting for them since early November. We were sure they would be there any day. We loaded up feeders for them. We hung suet. And we waited. And we waited. And we waited. We would be teased by two, three and four of these lovely little birds, but not the numbers of last winter. I began to wonder whether I was just exaggerating my memories of last winter.

Finally, I think right before Christmas it got cold enough in the interior of Alaska for the Redpolls to want to leave. It was mighty chilly in Fort Yukon, Galena, Minchumina and McGrath.

While getting water in the kettle for coffee Christmas morning, I watched three Redpolls land, then three more, then six more until there were at least forty. YIPPY! They arrived in time with their beautiful red berets on, looking wonderfully festive. Oh, I was ecstatic.




This video is for Bill of the Birds. He is looking for Redpolls at his feeder in Whipple, Ohio. I hope he finds some.




Also, just arrived today is a leucistic redpoll. I have not seen this one before. We will all be keeping an eye out for her (I'm calling it a her). Hopefully, I'll get a picture that is more suitable for posting. I realize this one looks perfect for Monster Quest, what with the blurry, image. I just wanted to leave you all guessing!