Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea), Private Yard, Grand Canyon Village, South Rim, Grand Canyon National Park, Coconino County

This Common Redpoll was discovered and photographed by Eric Gdula on 18 February 2012.

Previously unrecorded in Arziona, the potential first state record was discovered only 2 days prior to this bird.  See here.  This would therefore be the potential second state record coming only 2 days after the first.  There have been small numbers of Common Redpolls this winter far south of their normal range, so the occurance of two in Arizona is consistent with this pattern.  For example, Common Redpolls have also been found in southern California and New Mexico this year. 

Eric writes:  "I was participating in the back yard bird count when this guy showed up. I saw it for 4 or 5 days, and photographed it twice. It has since moved on."

Pale, streaked finch with distinctive red cap and black throat patch.

18 February 2012, photo by Eric Gdula

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