We're still getting swarms of 100+ common redpolls here in Croydon,
although their numbers don't seem to be keeping other birds at bay. Just
yesterday we had blackbirds feeding on the ground and the redpolls all
over the feeders. I tried to get a picture, since I've never, ever seen
a Red-winged Blackbird and a redpoll in the same place at the same time
before.

It makes me sad to take the feeders down, but the bears are strolling... 
-Lorena Krenitsky
Croydon, NH

On Thu, 31 Mar 2011 12:01 -0700, "Blake Allison"
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> After a couple of relatively quiet days this week - Mon. through Wed. -
> of maybe 65+/- individuals seen early in the morning with less than 20
> feeding steadily throughout the day, the numbers are back up into the 120
> range today, maybe in anticipation of the coming storm. After a peak
> count on Monday, the 21st of nearly 300, the numbers declined (low 100s)
> through Friday of that week but spiked again Saturday morning, the 26th
> to the low 200s. Attached are some photos from the 21st.
> 
> A couple of interesting behaviors suggesting how their numbers might
> benefit them. Last week I saw a flock of about 40 chase off a Coopers or
> sharp-shinned hawk. Might this swarming be a defensive technique? Also
> have noticed that when they come in large numbers to the feeders other
> users whether avian or squirrel are kept away. Again numbers being used
> as a benefit by securing and protecting a food source? That's
> counter-intuitive to the idea that traveling in such large numbers would
> be a negative by increasing competition within the flock for resources.
> Comments?
> 
> Blake Allison
> 
> Lyme, NH 03768-3322 
> 
> 
> 
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