[obol] Re: Purple Finch Migration

  • From: HARVEY W SCHUBOTHE <ninerharv2@xxxxxxx>
  • To: Tim Rodenkirk <garbledmodwit@xxxxxxxxx>, "OBOL (obol@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx)" <obol@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2013 21:01:13 -0700

Tim is right on the rare observatrion of purple finches on this part of the 
Southern Oregon Coast. We finally had our first two purple finches here on 
Bradley Lake in Bandon. House finches yes, purple finches no this winter.
 
Harv Schubothe
Bandon
 



Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2013 18:49:37 -0700
From: garbledmodwit@xxxxxxxxx
Subject: [obol] Purple Finch Migration
To: obol@xxxxxxxxxxxxx



I noticed several folks saying yes, they have had Purple Finches at their 
feeders all winter, this is normal.  Purple Finches overwinter in small numbers 
(on the south coast it is possible to miss them on the CBC), perhaps more 
common in the valley. In about mid- to late March, in areas where they are 
absent in winter, they suddenly show up singing in numbers, such as the north 
spit of Coos Bay.  Thus, those of you who have overwintering birds, may need to 
see a sudden increase in numbers to note migrants, that is, if migrants use 
feeders? In the past 10+ years they would be completely absent out on the north 
spit of Coos Bay and then suddenly in late March, I would notice them 
everywhere singing.  Kind of like the Yellow-rumps. They are around in the 
south coast in big numbers all winter (mostly Myrtles but some Audubons also), 
about early-to mid-April all the sudden huge waves of bright Audubons show up 
singing- migration time!  I have seen endless flocks of Audubons at New River, 
Coos (coastal) in mid-April (literally hundreds and hundreds of birds streaming 
by in a few minute period)- a most impressive migration.


Anyhow, that is what I have noticed on the south coast- I am always envious of 
folks who have Purple as well as House Finches at their south coast winter 
feeders.


Tim R
Coos Bay                                          

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