Hoary redpolls are truly denizens of the high arctic, and are not known to breed anywhere in Alberta. The hoary's most southerly breeding area is in the Churchill region of northern Manitoba.
On their breeding grounds Hoary Redpolls, like Common Redpolls, inhabit patches of scrubby birch and willow. In winter, Hoary Redpolls are occasionally seen with flocks of Common Redpolls. They can be distinguished from Common Redpolls by their extreme whiteness. Males have no streaking and little or no rosy colour on their pure white breast. The female may have faint streaking on the sides. It is difficult to tell a very pale Common Redpoll from a Hoary Redpoll, especially of a female, but it is enough just to appreciate their beauty.
Hoary Redpolls have the same feeding habits as Common Redpolls, taking seeds from trees, and other plants, and insects in summer.
Hoary Redpolls build a nest of twigs and grasses on the ground or in low shrubs. Three to seven pale blue eggs splotched with dark markings are laid and incubated for 11 days. Young are fledged in another 12 days or so.
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Where to find Hoary Redpolls in Alberta
Hoary Redpolls are rare in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area. In fact they are rare everywhere in Alberta. Watch for single individuals mixed in with larger flocks of Common Redpolls. Statistically speaking, you should expect to see 1 Hoary Redpoll for every 10,000 Common Redpolls you see in your lifetime. Brent Johner
Please Report the Hoary Redpolls You See in Alberta
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BRENT JOHNER
for serving as the society's PAST PRESIDENT this year