Stunning--that's how I felt about the 4 RED Crossbills I found 12:40 to 1:05...and still there when I left. There were on the north edge of the Loop road between the east end of Pine Trail and the gate further down. I followed them about 80 yards back to a short, small pine where they landed. (The first time I've seen any of the crossbills here in the shorter, younger [or stunted] pines on the north side.) They stayed in the tree for about 20 minutes--only 15 feet above ground. And I was able to get within 12 feet. Wonderful brick red color on the males. And I could closely observe their bills at work on the cones. I had fun noting that two birds had upper mandibles crossing right and another crossing left (couldn't get the 4th). They fed nonstop for about 10 minutes--then they took a break, staying very still, perched almost owl-like on twigs, moving mainly just their heads. Then a few minutes later, back to feeding. Eventually they flew further back (north) to another short pine in thicker woods--still visible when I left.
An hour before, a dozen wwCrosses were near the gate that's beyond Pine Trail. Brown Creeper was a nice find, too.
http://ebird.org/ebird/view/checklist?subID=S13149685
Tim Houghton
(Glen Arm)
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