Two Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris) were observed by participants of a Huron Fringe Birding Festival tour around 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 4. The birds were immediately west of the intersection of Highway 6 and Bruce Road 9 in the center of the Town of Ferndale on the Bruce Peninsula. They were singing from both the wires and top of evergreens both north and south of Bruce Road 9, but mostly south of the road opposite the UPI and Coffee House. The song is loud, rather long, and finch-like with a prolonged introductory note that suggests the alarm note of an asthmatic Red-eyed Vireo. (This note is very wheezy almost resembling Bewick's Wren.) Both birds are believed to be males based on the amount of yellow present, although one has decidedly more yellow underparts than the other. The birds were loosely associated with a House Sparrow and House Finches. It should be noted that these birds are likely escaped cage birds.
Michael Carlson Royal Oak, MI Directions (from the 402): Take Highway 21 North past Port Elgin to Bruce Road 13 North (to Wiarton). In Hepworth stay straight and continue on Highway 6 past Wiarton and Mar to Ferndale. Turn left on Bruce Road 9. I suggest parking at the UPI or Coffee House on the northwest corner. The birds were regularly observed singing and flying overhead west of the intersection. -
