Bob Augustine and I drove up to Howard Co. this morning  in hopes of finding
the WW Crossbills reported  there yesterday.  We went up Rt. 97 and turned
left onto Jennings Chapel Rd., headed for 3445, where the birds had been
seen yesterday. Before we got there, I noticed some birds flying into the
top of a Norway Spruce  along a driveway.  I yell at Bob, and stopped the
car. Bingo!  We had them!! At the top of the spruce feeding. We got a quick,
somewhat distant view, when they flew off  in the direction of 3445.  We
drove  down to that address. The birds, about 15,  soon flew into those
trees affording better views.  After a few minutes they flew  back up the
road two houses and into a low Spruce, affording excellent views of both
males ad female, and photo ops for Bob.  Then they flew off.  In the
meantime Kevin Graff and Nicco Sarbanes arrived looking for the birds as
well.   By this time the birds had left. We drove back to the original
place, did not see the birds,and went down the road a bit. When we came back
Kevin and Nicco were there with Barry Cooper and Gail Mackiernan.  They had
the birds in a Spruce a bit down the drive.  Bob and I joined them for, what
was for me, the best views one could want of these beautiful little guys.
Males and females were all over the tree.  At one point I had two males and
two females in clear view in one scope view, AT THE SAME TIME!!  I could
even see the little crossed beaks. After a bit, the birds flew off again,
and we all departed. The address was 3666 Jennings Chapel Rd.; the sign
said,  Hereford Farm.
I don't know if the birds will still be there Thursday, after two days of
winter weather, but I, and probably Bob, will be for sure.

 -

Donald Sweig
Falls Church, Va.