Date: 2/13/13 1:32 pm
From: Timothy Houghton <thoughton...>
Subject: [MDBirding] Both Crossbills, North Tract-Patuxent, 2/13


The White-Winged Crossbills far outnumbered the Red Crossbills while I was there from 10-1. All the action was along Wildlife Loop beyond the last parking area for Pine Trail. I had 25 White-Winged and 4 Red--I saw at least 10 more but couldn't be sure which species. It became apparent to me that, depending on the light and other circumstances, it's not that hard to mistake a White-Winged for a Red, b/c the wing bars can be surprisingly tricky to see, so it pays to be careful.

This was particularly enjoyable b/c, although the crossbills weren't hard to see, I still felt as though I was actually birding--as opposed to the time I saw a large number of white-winged at Ft. Smallwood--where I felt as though I was standing before a stage waiting for the Rockettes to appear.

This area--today was my first visit--seems unique to me, primitive, with all the pines. And so quiet, pleasant to bird. I haven't seen so many red-breasted nuthatches in a long time--at least 15. Plus a couple of brown creepers, a few golden-crowned kinglets. Maybe a hermit thrush.

Tim Houghton
(Glen Arm)

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