I love these little common redpolls. They're definitely early birds--this video was taken around 7 AM. They flock to the feeders like this every morning until around 8:30 or so. They're scrappy little birdies and not too willing to share, but that's what makes them so much fun to watch.
Even though this winter has been cold, snowy and long, these colorful little visitors from the north have made it bearable and memorable for me and I hope for any of the rest of you who have been lucky enough to spot these redpolls--maybe even in your own backyard!
20 comments:
Love the photos! I have been wanting redpolls at my feeder all winter long but have not been successful.
Love the video because I can hear its call. Now I know what to listen for when outside. I am VERY impressed with your thistle feeders. How many birds can perch on each one???
I'm so grateful to have gotten to have them at Hasty and here at home. I think they are my favorite winter bird.
My husband thinks we're feeding at least 100 of the little buggers! The new nyjer seed feeder I got for Valentine's Day obviously is a favorite of theirs. You can almost see the seed level go down as you watch it! They sure do add 'life' to the place.
Well, I'll never had redpolls so I'll watch yours.
I give you credit fo having your camera reading at 7am!
Mary
I know redpolls. I've had about a hundred of them at my feeders every day, and I go through $15 worth of thistle seed every week! It's an amazing year for them. I wonder when they'll decide to head back to the tundra.
I really liked the video...sights and sounds..What pretty birds...maybe someday I will brave the cold to see them.
I have these beauties but not that many! WOW!
Beautiful photo and great video! I love these little buggers too! They have invaded me the last 3 weeks and are giving the pine siskins a run for their money!
Scrappy is right! Little bad-asses.
Did you wear PANTS this time, or were you inside?
: )
Oh Ruthie,
You get the cutest visitors!
Besos,
Mel
That rosy little redpoll looks cold. Nice capture.
Wish I could watch the video, not on dial-up.
I love these redpoll fixes since we still don't have even one. The sounds they make are so happy, how much food do they go through in a day? Keep on sending these pics.
MOM
What wonderful yard birds you have had this winter Ruthie. Lucky girl.
Hi Kallen,
Don't give up hope--they might show up in your backyard yet in the remaining days of winter.
I think the big thistle tube has 24 seed ports and the smaller spiral one has 12. I have a larger spiral one too (you can barely see it in the background of the video). They don't seem to favor the spiral ones as much.
Hi Lynne,
I would have to agree. They're so pretty and have so much personality--it's never boring when redpolls are at the feeders!
Hi Mama Pea,
100 would be amazing!. I've seen them at a couple other seed feeders too, but thistle seems to be their favorite.
Thanks Mary--just like I have to enjoy your mockingbird (which I've never seen at my feeders).
Oh Deb, that's so cool. My last thistle seed purchase was 25 lbs and at the rate they're eating, I'll probably have to re-stock next week sometime.
Thanks Dawn. My advice to you is stay in Florida and "watch" the northern blogs--much more comfortable! Besides, most of the RV parks here in Minnesota aren't open in winter anyway. ;-)
Hi Marsha,
I'm really surprised at how their numbers are increasing at my feeders.
Hi Shelley,
I still only see a few occasional pine siskins--I guess the redpolls aren't very willing to share!
Hi Susan,
They are hilarious to watch.
This was the first video I took on Sunday morning before I found the crossbills, so still in my PJs.
Thanks Mel. They sure are fun to watch.
Hi Gaelyn,
Thanks for staying tuned even with dial-up.
Hi Mom,
I wonder why they aren't coming to your place. Does Patty have them?
They're eating maybe 1.5 to 2 lbs of thistle seed a day.
Thanks Lisa. I think it's a good endorsement of my backyard wildlife habitat that I'm getting to see all these neat birds (and other critters too!)
Ruthie, that was enjoyable. Even more so because one of the kittens sitting by my computer heard the "chittering" going on and was trying to figure out where the sound was coming from. He was also watching quite a few house finches and goldfinches outside my bedroom window at the same time. I may possibly have a "confused" kitten! ;o)
What an adorable little bird. This has been a new one for me this winter.
Awesome post. This winter has been Siskin heaven for all of us in NJ but no Redpolls.
Hi Mary C,
My cat and dog always get a little confused too when they hear birds in the dining room! I'm glad to hear your kitties are enjoying watching your backyard birdies.
Hi Troutbirder,
Are the redpolls coming to your feeders too? My mom hasn't seen any over in Wykoff.
Thanks Owlman. I was taking care of some friends' feeders when they were on vacation in early Feb. They live right in Rochester and had as many pine siskins as I have redpoll, while I have only the occasional siskin.....can't figure it out.
Hey Now! You be nice little birdies!
Grandma has a couple of blue birds that eat bugs out of her yard. They'll often land a top of sunflower feeder to get a good look around, not to eat. If a finch, chickadee or titmouse lands on the feeder to eat, the blue bird will peck at him.
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