> > Both are rather rare on the Palouse but
> > Cassin's nests in the higher elevations nearby.


Actually, Cassin's are not that uncommon in the fall and spring. I often
have some at my feeder. Given the P Pine around Albion, I would think
that they might be relatively common there as well.

Purple Finchs, on the other hand, are rare. When I first arrived here lo
these many years ago, there was one day when males of all three species
were at my feeder simultaneously. But I have not seen one for at least 8
years.

Dale Goble
Moscow