The COMMON REDPOLL put in its first early morning appearance at the Southwood and Union Ave intersection where sweetgum seeds densely covered the slope there. But when it was spotted by a few birders in the ten group, it quickly and skittishly flew up into a Linden tree and thereafter pulled a disappearing act. It wasn't until 1230 when I ran into Dennis that he and others saw it briefly,on a fly away emitting its call note near Southwood and Grove avenues.
At that point during my revisit, my growling stomach out decided further search for the winter finch despite 20 minutes more waiting. At least like the Redpoll following the sweetgum food trail,my lunch stop at the Fort Hamilton Burger King is a matter of required need.
I was happy though seeing my first seasonal PINE WARBLER. Thanks to Mike Y, the very bright male was feeding on the ground next to the Monarda path at Southwood. There were other reports in the cemetery so they are coming in.
As is the case when you have numerous birders packed in a spot,here are other species reported: Cooper's Hawk;Killdeer( near 25th entrance); Eastern Towhee; Eastern Phoebe; Rusty Blackbird at Dell water ( secondhand report); American Woodcock flushed somewhere near Battle Hill in the Northeast cemetery section.
There will be another day for Redpoll hunting.
