I forgot to thank Leslie Starr who gave me helpful directions--and also wanted to mention that another birder saw the 2 X species today with me--wish I'd gotten his name. TH
________________________________________
From: <mdbirding...> [<mdbirding...>] On Behalf Of Timothy Houghton [<thoughton...>]
Sent: Wednesday, February 13, 2013 4:31 PM
To: <mdbirding...>
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)
--
-- 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...>
--
|