The southward and eastward march of a good number of winter irruptives--Bohemian Waxwings, Pine Grosbeaks, redpolls, crossbills--seems to have stalled ever since the last notable push just a couple days or so before Christmas Day. At that time, Bohemians and a single Pine Grosbeak made it to northern New Jersey, as did a single likely Hoary Redpoll. But not much new since.

But don't get too depressed, yet! In many years the height of such southward movements do not peak until February (and even early March). Although in some years such irruptive flights do fizzle as the winter progresses, as seems to have happened this year with montane species out West.

There do seem to be a good number of Dovekies offshore this year, however. And several birds (most likely in poor shape) have been found at mainland inlets and jetties. Winter alcid numbers often don't peak until February and March.

--Paul Lehman