Column: Which northern finches are likely to appear in Maine this winter?

MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • October 9, 2022

We expect good numbers of northeastern red crossbill types this winter. Pine siskins should be around for at least the first part of the winter. Many will move south as cones are used here. Birch seed crops in the boreal forest were poor this year so look for a moderate number of Common redpolls. Evening grosbeaks are enigmatic, but Maine may entertain these charismatic birds this fall and winter. Purple finches will likely winter south of this year. Pine grosbeaks, a fruit-eating finch, will likely appear this winter because of our great mountain ash berry crop. ~ Herb Wilson