This morning I ran into a flock of over 12 female Purple Finches, very
actively feeding high up among emerging leaves, along Accotink Stream
Valley trail just east of Woodburn Road, Fairfax County. Quite the largest
congregation of this species that I have encountered in years! Also feeding
with them - zillions of goldfinches.
As I saw another female Purple Finch yesterday (Rutherford Park, Guinea
Road), I guess there may have been a recent fall-out of the species in the
past day or so.
Stephen Eccles
