There are signs that this winter is going to be an interesting one for bird watchers in New England. Those of you with bird feeders may already be noticing some new visitors this fall. Hardy, Northern species move south of their normal range in years when their natural food crop is poor across the boreal forests of Canada. These "irruptions" can be a real treat for birders, as otherwise difficult to see species can suddenly arrive at our feeders and on winter fruit trees. Already there have been noticeable increases in pine siskin sightings around southern Vermont. Here is a map of sightings in the area since August of this year, according to www.ebird.org:
Other northern species that have been sighted recently include purple finch, bohemian waxwing and evening grosbeak. In fact, evening grosbeak may show up at your feeders this winter. Here is some info from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology about this winter's expected irruption:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/this-could-be-the-winter-you-get-evening-grosbeaks-at-your-feeder/?utm_source=Cornell%20Lab%20eNews&utm_campaign=614a780757-Cornell-Lab-eNews-2018-11-08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_47588b5758-614a780757-303728665
