They are not expecting any angry birds, but bird-watchers are
already seeing evidence of what is expected to be a major
invasion of hungry birds winging through the region. Normally
content to hang out in the deep forests of Canada, grosbeaks,
pine siskins, finches, redpolls and other seed-eaters are
winging their way south, hoping to find something to eat. The
tree seed crop, normally plentiful in the forests of Ontario and
Quebec, has in some cases failed completely, causing what is
known as a bird irruption. “The invasion is under way,” said
David Small, president of the Athol Bird and Nature Club and one
of the Central Massachusetts bird count leaders. “I had redpolls
Sunday at the home feeder, which don't show up every year, and
often not until January or February.” Mr. Small, who is a
supervisor at the Quabbin Reservoir, said he has been seeing
pine grosbeaks at the reservoir headquarters and several
locations. Central Massachusetts birders also report seeing
white-winged and red crossbills. “I was at P