[CT Birds] Redpoll ID

[Carrier Graphics]

	Being this year might be looking good for finches from up north, I 
would like to present here a question and a comment.

Today I saw 30 or so Redpolls in a tree and on the street here in 
Torrington. As I approached from within the car, noticed were 2 birds 
looking whiter then the others. Unfortunately, they all flew off before 
i could reach my nocks. This brings up my question:

What is the best time of the winter to expect a Hoary Redpoll here in CT?
  and -
  What are the dates and years any might know of, for their arrivals here 
in CT?

CT Birds - Zaranski / Baptist notes them as a “Casual winter visitor” 
but tells of only 2 specimen records and of 10 uncorroborated sight 
reports. To me this sounds like a very rare bird here in CT. The dates 
of the specimens were - 11-24-06 and 12-17-77. Both these reports were 
prior to January; interesting.

Does anyone know more about this elusive species presence and dates seen 
here in CT that might be of interest to those who are on the lookout for 
it this year?

My comment is: How can one tell the two Redpolls apart?
  Below are some field marks as described in “Master Guide to Birding”.
  Quotes:
A typical frosty Hoary is easily identified, but marginally pale 
redpolls are more often encountered, and ID can be very difficult.
Description:  A classic Hoary is so pale that it clearly stands out even 
from a pale Common -
It’s under parts are white with little or no streaking on the sides -
Its rump is pure white -
Male Hoarys have only an indistinct tinge of pink on the breast -
A typical Hoary has a stubby pushed in bill, the length of which equals 
the thickness of the base -
  Unstreaked under tail coverts  -
The red cap is smaller and more sharply defined then Common -

So are we ready for the first Hoary in CT this winter?
As is strongly sugested, a picture is worth.........................good 
luck !

Paul Carrier