Based on the Winter Finch Forecast 2025-2026, Wellington County can expect a strong flight of several finch species and other irruptive passerines due to poor food crops in the northern boreal forest.
In January 2026, within the County of Wellington, you are expected to see a moderate to strong flight of the following species:
- Pine Grosbeak A small to moderate flight is expected south to southern Ontario. Look for them in urban areas on European Mountain-ash and ornamental crabapple trees, or at feeders with black oil sunflower seeds.
- Purple Finch Most will migrate south of Eastern Canada, some as far as the deep southern states. They can be found at feeders eating black oil sunflower seeds.
- Redpoll Expect a probable strong flight south out of the boreal forest into the lower Great Lakes area. Watch for them on birches (including in urban areas), in weedy fields, and at feeders with nyjer ® and black oil sunflower seeds.
- Pine Siskin A moderate to possibly strong flight southward is expected. They prefer nyjer ® seeds in silo or sock feeders.
- Evening Grosbeak A moderate flight is expected south this fall, with some flocks potentially wintering further south than usual. They prefer black oil sunflower seeds at platform feeders.
- Red-breasted Nuthatch This species has been irrupting south since mid-August due to poor cone crops in the eastern boreal forest. They prefer black oil seeds, suet, and peanuts at feeders.
- Bohemian Waxwing Most east of Manitoba will likely be on the move and could be found in the traditional wintering ranges in Central Ontario eastward. They forage on Buckthorn (Rhamnus) berries, Red Cedar, wild grape, European Mountain-ash berries, and ornamental crabapples.
- Blue Jay An average flight is expected along the north shorelines of Lakes Ontario and Erie. An above-average flight may occur due to poorer crops west of Lake Superior.
Red Crossbills and White-winged Crossbills are expected to be less common in the east, as the ‘crossbill pendulum’ has swung west where the cone crops are bette
To see the full Winter Finch Forecast 2025-2026 visit https://finchnetwork.org/winter-finch-forecast-2025-2026