Redpolls

Redpoll, Sac Zim Bog, Minnesota

Sadly, I had not seen either Redpoll species before the trip to Minnesota. That made it a little more challenging to distinguish Common Redpolls from Hoary Redpolls. Hoarys are whiter, with a shorter bill, and less/thinner streaking. I saw individual that were clearly one or the other, but photography was challenging, with the birds continually moving. The individual on the left looks whiter (as does the top photo), but I am not positive looking back through my photos.

The photos are not ideal, but are useful as a personal record. I spent most of my time around the Redpolls watching Evening Grosbeaks or Boreal Chickadees.