Greetings -

Early this afternoon I found what I believed were two flocks of Common Redpolls at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in North Olmstead, off of Columbia Road, but it turns out there was only ONE flock of 17 Commons that was moving around between the north and south ends of the cemetery. I had originally located one HOARY amongst the flock, around 1 pm, (the Kassoufs and Krauses were able to see the first bird and some distant photos were taken) but around 3:45 p.m., the Witts and Chriss Fulton and I located a SECOND Hoary in the same flock. Some of the time, when the birds were on the south end of the cemetery, looks were absolutely outstanding. Each bird was wholesomely frosty overall, with finer and less streaking on the sides, and clean white rump and under tail coverts noted. Big-headed, with a stubbier, shorter-billed look, giving more of a pug-dog look to the face. One Hoary is noticeably bulkier and bigger-headed then the Commons, but the other is only very very slightly bulkier (appears nearly same size).

Patience is absolutely needed. A scope is recommended for studying the birds. You must study all features closely to eliminate a paler Common. The birds were regularly fed in a large clump of arborvitae on the north end of the cemetery, section J-1 (see map link below). This is pretty close to the entrance. Upon entering the cemetery, veer right, look for arboritae, and keep the windows down listening for calls. They would also take up and fly south to the "heart" of sections 34 and 35. At the north end of this "heart", which is lined with short conifers, there is a short tree (introduced species that i could not identify) loaded with seed pods. This offers far better views then when the birds are feeding in the arborvitae, as they can completely disappear within the thick greenery. 

The flock is mostly quiet, save for occasional light raspy "chit-chit-chit-chit" calls. In flight, they call wildly. I would recommend listening to redpoll calls. 

A single Pine Siskin was present, loosely associating with the redpoll flock at times. Additionally, a few goldfinches, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatches. 

Bad map of cemetery:
http://www.sunsetmemorial.com/cemetery/our-cemetery-map

JB

Jen Brumfield
Cleveland, OH
Bird illustrator and birding tour guide
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www.jenbrumfield.com
www.northnw.wordpress.com
330-701-6452

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