In a message dated 1/12/2013 8:56:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,
<rborchelt...> writes:
I was among the number of birders this afternoon to get good views of both
Common Redpolls (4 for me) and White-winged Crossbills (3) in mixed flocks
that also contained American Goldfinches and Red-winged Blackbirds working
the sweet gum trees near the playground. The redpolls were a nice but
rather expensive lifer -- came back to the car to find a flat tire from road
debris I hit on 295 driving up from College Park. AAA was summoned and
latecomer Russ Ruffing kept me company until the tow truck arrived. While we
waited we saw a Cooper's Hawk come in and try (unsuccessfully) to snag a bat
flying in the trees around the parking lot.
I was also part of a group of happy birders, 10 at one point, who enjoyed
extended good looks at Common Redpolls and WW Crossbills at Fort Howard this
afternoon. I think this was my 4th try for the Redpolls. A large flock of
Goldfinches and Redpolls fed on the ground for quite some time but
occasionally were flushed into the trees. In one sweep with the scope I counted 7
CORE on the ground, including two pink-breasted males. There were also at
least four White-winged Crossbills. The birds didn't vocalize a lot, but we
did hear the WWCR flight call, as well as the CORE rattle and a soft chu-chu
call. Most of the activity was at the point where the trail from the
parking lot meets the trail that loops around the playground; a little to the
left (north) of the blue slide.
Joel Martin
Catonsville, MD
--
-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Group 'Maryland & DC Birding'.
To view group guidelines or change email preferences, visit this group on the web at http://www.mdbirding.com
Posts can be sent to the group by sending an email to <mdbirding...>
|