My first try at looking for red crossbills here - no luck with that, tho I learned they were seen about 1pm. However, I had a really neat woodcock encounter. I stopped at the first pulloff for the Pine trail, parked and walked back a little way because I had heard a chickadee, and some other little stuff there, and you never know what might be hanging out with the locals. Anyway, as I was watching the red breasted nuthatches etc. I heard a steady rustle rustle rustle in the dry leaves behind me, turned around and there was a woodcock walking along not two yards from me!
Over the next 20 or so minutes this very obliging bird gave me a great look, then settled down in a shadow out of sight, while I went back to checking the trees on the other side of the road, and in a little bit, it moved again, just as someone stopped to find out what was up. So that person got to see it, then, again, after walking some more, it settled again but this time in a visible spot. At least 5 other people got to see it over the next few minutes, before I finally dragged myself away to look for crossbills. Amazing how hard it was to spot even when you knew where it was. Sure wasn't bothered by people, except for freezing at times. Beautiful patterns on it, seen so close.
Patricia Wood
Silver Spring
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