This afternoon (Dec. 16) I drove Lakewood Cemetary in hopes of a few winter finches. At the south end of the small lake I found a flock of about 50 redpolls in one of the large birch trees between the road and the lake. One caught my eye. It was a male with limited pink on the breast and very faint streaking on the sides, giving it an overall pale look. Its undertail coverts were pure white and its head was also light. The flock flew off and I depaired, but then noticed that this bird remained. Obviously it wanted to be viewed. I moved around with my scope to get a better view of its rump which did have a few streaks, but very light. Observed the bird for about twenty minutes. Don't know if there is any significance to this bird remaining while all the others flew off, and I realize there are those damn gradations, but it looked like a hoary to me. Hope the flock stays around so others can make their judgment. The flock did come back just as I was leaving. Chet Meyers Hennepin County
