Yeah, I've read about the enormous numbers of redpolls seen recently moving south of their range, and maybe we'll have the chance to learn more about these hardy birds of the north, without lacing on snowshoes. One thing we're unlikely to learn via observation is how many species of redpolls there really may be. With luck, we'll learn about the many clinal variations in plumage pigment and even overall size among these birds. In accordance with Gloger's and Bergmann's Rules*, a few may seem paler and huskier, and many more noticeably darker and more delicate--the classic major visual distinctions between the probably fictitious "different species," the 'common' and the 'hoary' redpolls. You can look up these old and useful rules of thumb that distinguish between birds of the lower and higher latitudes. I've read again and again that recent DNA studies don't demonstrate there are two "species" of the redpoll (three if you count Europe's "Arctic redpoll"). Maybe they are be analogous to deer, which are larger in Canada than here, and much smaller in the Florida Keys--different subspecies, not species. Like other folks, I have served on Ohio records committees over the years, and squinted and pondered and even agonized over numerous photos and other reports of "hoary redpolls." I recall an article in "Birding" about them where I could have sworn the photo captions were misplaced. I welcome the day--which may soon come--when everyone agrees they are conspecific with common redpolls. Anyway, I hope we'll have more chances to see lots of redpolls of the north this winter. Bill Whan * if you're not familiar with these rules of thumb for animals, google these for information or better yet try "redpoll species." ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Please consider joining our Society, at www.ohiobirds.org/site/membership.php. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: listserv.miamioh.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]