[Maine-birds] Re: Redpoll tornadoes

My feeders have also been getting slammed by Siskins with a large uptick in redpolls this past week or so. While doing the feederwatch watching this week(I was educated by Dr. Suess), I noticed 3 redpolls that were very different than the rest. Most of the redpolls presented with a very striped belly and/or a very red breast, however I was able to finally get one of the three that I think are Hoary. Photo This one appears more blonde in color while the other two were much more of a stark white, but all three are very much less striped than the rest of the commons that are around. I have not been able to really compare beak size due to the fact that for every redpoll there are 15 siskin and they are hopping and flying around like crazy. Getting 2 close enough together has been a challenge. 

This one also shows that butterscotch on the throat. 

On Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 6:37:18 PM UTC-5, Bruce Cole wrote:

Approximately 70 redpolls and 30 Pine Siskins swirled about the feeding stations in my Hampden neighborhood.  There were at least two that I could not feel safe saying they were flammea.  The ground color is paler, with whitish edging to the scapulars.  The primary subject of the photos appears slightly larger than the other redpolls, but that may be "fluffing artifact."
There is a bit more than trace evidence of undertail covert streaking, not enough to be convincing as a Common. Flank streaking present, is fairly extensive, though somewhat more diffuse appearing to me and more subdued than any of its flock mates.  An interesting bird.  I'm wondering what any readers may be inclined to call this?  A light Common, a female Hoary, some of each?  Little wonder there is debate about keeping the species split.

Also, if the "butterscotch" on the throat is useful as a field mark?  

https://flic.kr/ps/2Yo1Aq

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