Documentation of Common Redpoll
2013-024

Observer Information

Reporter:  Tina Mitchell 
Other Observers:  None; None

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Common Redpoll
First Date/Time:  1/13/2013
Last Date/Time:  1/13/2013
Duration (total time in view):  10 minutes
County:  Fremont
Specific Location:  38.381757
-105.79349

Number:  1
Age:  Unknown
Sex:  Female
Plumage:  Other/Unknown

Habitat

High-altitude pinyon/juniper, with a preponderance of pinyon.

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  Zeiss 10 x 40 binoculars
Distance:  6
Light:  Nothing challenging about the light--bird was clearly illuminated.

Description of the Bird

Slight size, red cap, black area around beak, brown streaks on white background, unstreaked breast ruled out other species likely to be found at our feeders (House Finch, Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch).
Behaviors: Fed from ground for ~10 minutes. She could have been the same bird I reported as present on 1/6/2013, but I have no way of knowing. I never saw this bird on a feeder--just eating from the ground. The 1/6 bird didn't feed off the ground--just from a feeder. Hardly conclusive evidence--just an observation.
Call: None heard.
Plumage: adult

Similar Species Discussion

Lack of yellow ruled out American Goldfinch; overall color pattern and lack of streaked chest ruled out Pine Siskin; slight size and color pattern ruled out House Finch.

Resources Used

Sibley Guide to Birds, studied at the time of the arrival of the first Common Redpoll in early Dec.

Previous Experience

This was the 4th time I've seen a Common Redpoll at our feeders this winter.

Notes

Memory

Additional Information

Comments: With a photo, I didn't make other physical notes.
Time: 10 a.m.
Elevation: ~7000
Other Dates: Could have been the same bird as reported on 1/6, but no way to know for sure.
Nearest Town: Coaldale
Independent Observers: None

Date Documentation Submitted

1/20/2013 7:31:00 PM
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