Hi Tom - The Bernard Field Station in Claremont (adjacent to Cal Botanic Garden) has hosted a large flock of Purple Finches this winter, more than I have recorded in the past 20 years of surveys there. Most winters there will be a flock of 5-10 at this site; this winter I have recorded as many as 40 in a single flock. In contrast, this year I have not had any at my feeders about 1/2 mile away, compared to some past years (including last year) when they were very regular in my yard. So they are around, but maybe just using resources differently than in past years.
Cathy McFadden Claremont
-- Dr. Catherine S. McFadden Vivian and D. Kenneth Baker Professor Department of Biology Harvey Mudd College 1250 N. Dartmouth Ave. Claremont, CA 91711 USA
