[CT Birds] Meriden Redpolls

[COMINS, Patrick]

Yesterday evening I walked out the back door and heard at least 2 REDPOLLS (presumed Common) flying over, or perhaps flushing out of the trees, a first for the Meriden yard list.  The unusual thing was that the sun had set and it was nearly dark.  Redpolls are not something I have had through nocturnal calls before and finches tend to be diurnal movers.  With the short winter days in the north of their winter range, I would think that they would have to be active at night at times just to survive though.

I checked the Birds of North America account and it states that they are "Generally regarded as diurnal migrant, although heard migrating at night and exhibits nocturnal restlessness during migration seasons..."  It also mentions that Greenland birds are reported to travel at night and save the days for feeding.  This makes sense thinking of how short the winter days are there.  In some places there would be no daylight for months, but I would think that redpolls would have to evacuate those areas.

One of the great things about birding is that you can learn something new every day and always have a lot more to learn.

>From Patrick Comins:
12/01 - Meriden Yard, -- REDPOLLS, presumed Common.  Flying over after dark.

Patick Comins, Meriden