I concur with Blake....I have seen the same behavior in my redpolls....I have had huge flocks of 200+ all winter, but have seen a steady decline since the weekend to just @ 30-40 today.  I have seen them drive off all the other species from their feeders, including all other birds ( no matter the size) and the red and gray squirrels.  Have not seen them take on a hawk, though....
Judy Lombardi
Golden Acres Photography
WHite River Junction





-----Original Message-----
From: Blake Allison <[log in to unmask]>
To: UV-BIRDERS <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thu, Mar 31, 2011 3:05 pm
Subject: [UVB] Redpoll Update


After a couple of relatively quiet days this week - Mon. through Wed. - of maybe 
5+/- individuals seen early in the morning with less than 20 feeding steadily 
hroughout the day, the numbers are back up into the 120 range today, maybe in 
nticipation of the coming storm. After a peak count on Monday, the 21st of 
early 300, the numbers declined (low 100s) through Friday of that week but 
piked again Saturday morning, the 26th to the low 200s. Attached are some 
hotos from the 21st.
A couple of interesting behaviors suggesting how their numbers might benefit 
hem. Last week I saw a flock of about 40 chase off a Coopers or sharp-shinned 
awk. Might this swarming be a defensive technique? Also have noticed that when 
hey come in large numbers to the feeders other users whether avian or squirrel 
re kept away. Again numbers being used as a benefit by securing and protecting 
 food source? That's counter-intuitive to the idea that traveling in such large 
umbers would be a negative by increasing competition within the flock for 
esources. Comments?
Blake Allison
Lyme, NH 03768-3322 

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