Common Redpoll???

[oniedz]

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?

[GStuart]

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?

[oniedz]

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.

[Craig McL]

Look at purple finch?? maby


Craig

[GStuart]

Or a Chipping Sparrow?

[oniedz]

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.