Big flocks but Rosy-Finches avoiding feeder

[Rosyfinch]

Latest update from Dave Weaver:


Hi Ken,

Just got back from the Crest and will send along a log update later today, but I wanted to get a note out to you now.  It was 18 degrees with a light wind and there is only the barest trace of snow in the north facing, shaded areas.  A few finches have been sighted, but they are not coming to the feeder with any regularity.  Gene Romero has reported a flock of about 80 birds, but the typical sighting at the feeder is 1 - 3 birds.  As you have suggested, the birds probably are finding plenty of food in the woods because there is no snow cover.


So, a slow start to the year.  I will send along the log update and of course we will continue to check things at the Crest.


Hope all is well!


Dave

[Rosyfinch]

Here is a link to current data copied by Dave Weaver from the Sandia Crest House Rosy-Finch Sightings Log:

http://rosyfinch.com/RosySightings2010-2011.pdf

All three species have been identified, but as Dave mentioned, few birds were coming to the feeder this past week.

Banding is not expected to get underway until the density of visiting finches increases. THINK SNOW!!!

Matt Baumann reported on the NM RBA (11/18):

Visiting birders Oscar Johnson and Matt Brady reported all three Rosy-Finch species at Sandia Crest November 11.