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Subject:

Druid Ridge WW Crossbills (Sunday 2/1-photos)

From:

Nico Sarbanes

Reply-To:

Nico Sarbanes

Date:

Mon, 2 Feb 2009 23:03:26 -0500

Hey everyone-

     This past Sunday, I got up to go for the Crossbills a third time in hopes of getting a county bird for Baltimore, and of getting some good pictures of the males, as the ones we saw in Howard were not very obliging.  
     When I arrived, Keith Eric Costley, Jeff Deets, and others were already there, and reported having had the Crossbills feeding on the ground about ten feet in front of them just minutes before!  Wishing I had gotten out earlier, but still hopeful, I was soon rewarded with unbelievable views of the flock, which must have contained close to 60 birds.  I stayed at the cemetery for the better part of 4 hours, and it was in the 4th hour that the birds really put on a show.  We had at least half of the group feeding almost at eye-level, and eventually dropping to the ground.  Needless to say, I came away with some shots that I am very happy with.  
     For anyone who plans to go after these birds, don't be deterred if you don't get them on your first try.  I know that Jeff waited the entire previous Sunday without getting them, but was rewarded for his extra effort the next week.  I definitely plan to go back this coming weekend, as this winter spectacle is just fantastic to witness, and the cemetery is still full of food for the birds to take advantage of.

Photos are up at:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicobirdphotos/

Enjoy, and good birding!

Nico Sarbanes
Baltimore