Dear All

Based on sightings of crossbills in the upper Cleveland Park/Chevy Chase area of NW in DC for the last three days I am increasingly convinced that there is a small group of these birds scattered over but now fairly settled in to our neigbourhood.  Unfortunately they do seem to be pretty mobile and quite difficult to find but in case anyone would like to try I offer the following thoughts and advice.

The birds seem to be frequenting the Hemlock trees in the main and are completely silent when feeding and indeed sometimes so in flight too.  But they have also been calling vociferously as a flock at times, but this is generally short-lived unfortunately.  Hemlocks and few other suitable conifers are scattered throughout the gardens and alleyways mostly as single trees or small stands so it is fairly easy to work the area but it is important to look carefully when searching as they can be quite hard to spot often creeping silently amongst the foliage.  I would suggest that the best way of looking is either on foot or perhaps using the car to cruise and stop in suitable areas.  The best mode of transport would actually be by bike, so you would be able to hear calling birds whilst moving too.

The birds have been around the Reno Road corridor from the intersection with Van Ness Rd northwards in adjacent blocks on both sides of the road, but there's no reason why anywhere in the area from Chevy Chase down to the Cathedral might not be worth searching.  I would suggest starting where the birds were found on Sunday and seen again yesterday - at Veazey and Reno - working adjacent blocks and then moving northwards towards Fort Reno and Chevy Chase.  I worked the neighbourhood as far as Nevada yesterday but not beyond that.  I think the group of 12 I saw yesterday must have gone over into the area north of Nevada so it would be worth looking there.

As I say, the best tactic is to just cruise by car/bike/foot checking gardens and don't forget the back alleyways too.  So far I have only had positive interest from local folk and the police have not seemed concerned (there's a lot of police due to the embassies just down the hill) but I am sure you will bear in mind the need for care, sensitivity and discretion in residential areas.  If the birds start to be found more regularly I will post a note to local Cleveland Park listserve so that residents are aware.

If you are planning to take a look then do by all means contact me off list and I will try to link up.  I would also be grateful if you could let me know the results of your searches - positive or negative - so I can keep a handle on the birds as best as possible.  If you do find a feeding group then do try to pass the word on quickly.  As yet only a few people have seen the birds well and there seems to be lots of interest, so a prompt call or two may make the difference for those eager to see these lovely birds in DC.

Best of luck to all,

Gary Allport

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