Both yesterday and today, I enjoyed brief visits from one Northern Flicker at my feeder. It was unable to feed at the feeder because is it one of those weight-sensitive ones but it tried several times, then flew into the trees and worked its way upward before flying away. I'm not sure how rare this is in this area but I don't think I saw a flicker on any of the local CBC lists. I know I have never seen one at this time of year in the 6 years I have been in Canada.
Not so unusual in this area, but a first for me, I also had a small flock (less than 10) of Common Redpolls feeding happily with the many American Goldfinches at the finch feeder. :-) If anyone is interested in trying to spot the Northern Flicker, take the Mississauga Road exit south off the QEW, turn right on Indian Road (the third traffic light counting the one at the exit), then turn left on Tecumseh Park Drive (approx 1.5-2 km). We are actually on Tecumseh Park Crescent, a very small street. Unfortunately, our backyard is not easily accessible but I suspect your chances are just as good anywhere in the neighbourhood. At the end of TP Drive, there is a small park that leads to a ravine trail which might be a good place to look as well. Merry Christmas Birding and a Happy New Year! Judi Parker _______________________________________________ ONTBIRDS is presented by the Ontario Field Ornithologists - the provincial birding organization. Send bird reports to ONTBIRDS mailing list [email protected] For instructions to join or leave ONTBIRDS visit http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdssetup.php ONTBIRDS Guidelines may be viewed at http://www.ofo.ca/information/ontbirdsguide.php
