While many avian species migrate out of Alaska to more temperate climes during the winter, there are quite a number that remain in the Anchorage area year-round. Among them are Common Redpolls, colorful small finches of the Arctic tundra and boreal forest that tend to travel in busy flocks. Populations can vary widely with their erratic migration in search of food supply, at times reaching unusually large numbers termed “irruptions.” Feeders with nyjer or thistle seed are at the top of the list for attracting these energetic foragers.
