First day of Christmas vacation!! I went to Patuxent North Tract this afternoon for a drive on the wildlife loop with all 3 of my kids. I was specifically looking for crossbills. After signing in we checked the feeders right at the V.C., and one of the first things I saw was a probable BC Chickadee but I couldn't get a photo of it since it left before I could get my camera on it. I am about 95% sure on id; it has dark gray upper (mantle and back), chestnut area on sides, white wing patch, and very dark cap, although I only saw it with my eyes (no bins). I think there is a good chance it will hang around since it was at the feeders, but I was more interested in pursuing crossbills so we did not stay long... There was also a RB Nuthatch there, and many other typical feeder species.
We were there 1.5 hours and just about done with looking, when I saw them perched in a tree. Yes! Although I was hoping for WW crossbills, I was of course very excited to see some (7) Reds instead. I tried to get some recording but don't know if it is even something which can be analyzed; quality was poor from wind and background noise (traffic). Oh well.
Someone had some WWs there last weekend which is what prompted me to look, and the wildlife loop (drive) is full good species for foraging. Lots of of Virginia pines with good cone crop (I saw Reds feeding on them at Cape Henlopen last month). There were also quite a few sweet gums so the habitat looks good for WWs as well as Reds.
We had very poor light (very overcast) and I only got silohoutte quality photos.
If anyone goes, the only access is off Rt 198. and you have to sign in at Visitor Center. They have managed deer hunting in progress now and many trails or areas otherwise open to wildlife watching are closed until deer season is over, so be sure to check in regarding what is open. We stayed in my vehicle the whole time.
Happy holidays!
Jeff Shenot
Croom MD
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