Outdoor Ontario

Request for Information => Bird ID => Topic started by: oniedz on June 14, 2008, 10:46:19 PM

Title: Common Redpoll???
Post by: oniedz on June 14, 2008, 10:46:19 PM

I heard a bird singing today at the top of an evergreen tree in Yorkhill Park in Thornhill.  It was a bit hard to see, but appeared to be all grey from underneath without much streaking.  It definitely had a notched tail.  Right before it flew away, it nodded its head down, and I saw what I thought was definitely a red cap.  I was sure it was a Redpoll, until my books told me that Redpolls should be nowhere near here at this time of year.  Any thoughts?  Could it be a Redpoll?  A review of the song sounded similar - but not conclusive.  If not a Redpoll, what else could it be?

Title:
Post by: GStuart on June 14, 2008, 11:36:27 PM

House finches like singing from the very tops of trees.  And they have red at the top and are somewhat blah below.  Could it have been that?

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Post by: oniedz on June 15, 2008, 09:46:43 AM

Well - it didn't have stripes on its belly, so I don't think so.  Also, the red was not on the face, only on the head.

Title: purple finch
Post by: Craig McL on June 15, 2008, 10:15:29 AM

Look at purple finch?? maby


Craig

Title:
Post by: GStuart on June 15, 2008, 11:52:15 AM

Or a Chipping Sparrow?

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Post by: oniedz on June 16, 2008, 07:28:27 AM

SOLVED!  After reviewing the various calls of the suggested birds on-line (thanks to all the websites that make these available), it most definitely was a Chipping Sparrow.  Thanks everyone - it was driving me a bit crazy.