Date: 10/30/26 11:56 am From: Dominik Mosur via ShastaBirders <dominikmosur...> Subject: Re: [ShastaBirders.io] We thought maybe an odd Purple Finch. Merlin says Cassin’s Finch.
Hi Bob,
I agree this looks like a Cassin's Finch. For those not aware - there's a
massive irruption of montane species in the Bay Area right now. Cassin's
Finch, as well as Evening Grosbeaks and Clark's Nutcracker as well as
much higher than usual numbers of Pine Siskins and Red-breasted Nuthatches
are being recorded in all the counties ringing San Francisco Bay. As the
year progresses Shasta county birders should be on the look out for these
species at lower elevations.
Also whenever possible observers should attempt to record the calls of both
Evening Grosbeaks and Crossbills which can be identified to type by their
vocalizations. Most of the Crossbills down here have been type 2 but
there's been scattered reports of possible Type 4 and maybe Type 5. Both
Type 1 and 2 Evening Grosbeaks have been detected as well.
Happy fall birding to all,
Dominik Mosur
San Francisco
On Fri, Oct 30, 2026 at 11:45 AM Kenneth Able via ShastaBirders
<kennethpable...> wrote:
> Looks like a CAFI to me, based on bill and head pattern. I wonder if it
> has a bit of a plumage abnormality, perhaps slight leucism. That could
> account for the faintness/absence of breast streaking and what appears to
> be some white in the tail.
>
> Ken
>
> On Thu, Oct 29, 2026, 11:04 PM Larry Jordan via ShastaBirders
> <thelarryjordan...> wrote:
>
>> The staight culmen and light brow make me think it's a Cassin's Finch.
>> Maybe a young bird whose color hasn't darkened yet? I have had a pair at my
>> house for a few days now.
>> --
>> Larry Jordan
>> Oak Run, CA
>>
>
>
>
