Part of a flock of approximately 47 Common Redpoll. Photo by Charlotte R. Catalano
Two Pine Grosbeaks atop a frost-covered Jack Pine (Pinus banksiana). Photo by Charlotte R. Catalano
HIGHLIGHTS:
Approximately 47 Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)
SUMMARY:
Whitefish Point is still laden down with two feet of snow and below freezing temperatures, stymieing passerine migration. The only notable songbird migration relates to a flock of approximately 47 Common Redpoll observed from the hawk deck platform on March 18. Otherwise resident Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus) are ever-present at the WPBO feeders and in the woods alongside a couple of Red-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis). Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) are persisting in the area and should be for some weeks yet. A couple Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivali) have been present as well with hope that more will be coming through soon.
An adult Northern Goshawk (Accipiter gentillis) took to the air from a tree along the boardwalk just north of the Owl’s Roost Gift Shop on the 18. I presume the bird to be the same one that passed over the hawk deck some minutes prior to my observation.
– Charlotte R. Catalano, Spring 2019 Field Ornithologist
