Common Redpoll, Tulelake, California, 18 February 2012 by Greg Gillson. The Winter Wings Festival in Klamath Falls, Oregon completed yesterday.
One rarity was nearby at Tulelake, California. Two Common Redpolls were at Winema Lodge. Birders were welcome to view the bird, after checking in with the office. Since the birds were in a bare birch tree right by the front door of the office, they weren't hard to find!
This has been a good year for redpolls. They have irrupted (see What is an "irruption"?) in good numbers this winter. Common Redpoll is a very "good" bird for California (one that is quite rare and hard to find). Amazingly, there is also one right now down in San Diego!
Birders looking at Common Redpoll, Tulelake, California, 18 February 2012 by Greg Gillson. 
Common Redpoll, Tulelake, California, 18 February 2012 by Greg Gillson. 
More birders lined up to look at the Common Redpolls, Tulelake, California, 18 February 2012 by Greg Gillson.