Re: Carroll Crossbills

Thomas Stock (TSTOCK@FMSHRC.GOV)
Tue, 13 Jan 1998 12:06:17 -0500


Howard Youth wrote about seeing White-winged Crossbills 
at Pine Knob Road on Jan. 11.

Howard, I was there with my mother-in-law, the other birders 
without a scope!  (Had I realized these birds are so cooperative, 
I would have brought my scope - a hint to others who go to look 
for these birds.)  I assume you were one of the party of three 
who found the crossbills in the bare trees as you were leaving. 
Thanks again for that discovery!

When we left, we decided to give Deer Park Rd. one last 
desperate try. Aside from a large flock of siskins we saw as 
we walked along the right-of-way, the place was pretty much 
dead. Then, as we got back to our car, another couple of 
birders who had headed up to the road before us waved 
frantically to us. They had just found three very cooperative 
Red Crossbills feeding in the top of a pine at the edge of 
the road - one male and two females.

I'm new to this list - I've been a Maryland birder since 1969, 
but my birding has taken a back seat to parenting for the last 
several years. I get out a few times a year, though, this past 
Sunday being one example. My thanks to those who found 
these birds, and to those on this list who have been providing 
such good updates. The White-wings were lifers for me!

Tom Stock
Silver Spring