Unprecedented numbers of common redpolls have been frequenting bird feeders in NE MN this late winter/spring. An extended period of regular snowfalls has kept natural foods covered, left the redpolls largely dependent on bird feeders, and resulted in something of a mob mentality at feeders. These two videos illustrate the lengths they'll go to score a meal.
(4) A Bird in Hand is Worth Two (or Three, or More) on Various Other Body Parts? - YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8kn6YtKOOl8> (4) Handout - Common Redpoll Feeding Frenzy - YouTube <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px5ZptGZ900> If you are ever fortunate enough to experience this, and know a young person you'd like to see escape from the digital into the natural world, give them a handful of seeds and ask them to be still for a few minutes. It could be the transformational experience that opens their eyes to a whole new world, and eventually be part of the next generation of bird enthusiasts sharing their passion on this forum. Steve Wilson ---- General information and guidelines for posting: https://moumn.org/listservice.html Archives: http://lists.umn.edu/archives/mou-net.html During the pandemic, the MOU encourages you to stay safe, practice social distancing, and continue to bird responsibly.
