The search for Crimson-winged Finch
30th December 2024 On the second attempt in two days, I found myself at Oukaïmeden in the High Atlas. There was a lot more fresh snow then I had expected. Crunching up past the ski lifts I met Dutch birder, Jaap Gijsbertsen, also on the look out for Finches. We took different paths in our searches after a short conference, only to converge again for lunch. I was surprised to see a Levaillant's Woodpceker above the snow line, in the only trees to be seen. After a short walk, I returned to the hamlet, Rock Sparrow , Rock Bunting, Atlas Shore Lark and Red-billed Chough were all apparent, searching out seeds after the morning's melt. After lunch, I went to explore the small lake where Jaap had seen a Water Pipit and White-throated Dipper. As I crossed the bridge, I became aware of a small flock of birds behind me. There they were! After several hours searching, the African Crimson-winged Finches , had found me. F...