Well the redpoll invasion is starting here around the Spokane area.

On Monday, I saw my first common redpolls at Chain Lakes in Pend Oreille county, just north of Spokane County. There were about 70-75 birds in the flock feeding on alder catkins. A dipper, bald eagle and various waterfowl were there as well.

Yesterday, on Tuesday, between Reardon and Davenport, I saw about five flocks of common redpolls totalling about 150-175 birds on two roads - one north of Highway 2- Sunset Highway and one south - Detour Road. All were feeding on the side of the roads. In the same area I only saw 2 rough-legged hawks, 5 northern harriers, 1 prarie falcon and NO red-tailed hawks (no gyrs or snowy owls as well).

Howard Ferguson
Spokane, WA