This irruption actually first started in late 1997, with crossbills of both
species showing up in near-by states -- I recall going over to Cape Henlopen
in Delaware and seeing both Red and White-winged Crossbills in their pines.
Quite a sight! Then they were found in Maryland and we made several trips up
to Liberty to enjoy them. As I recall, at least two "forms" (possibly
species) of Reds were involved.

Gail Mackiernan
Colesville, MD

on 02/08/2009 8:58 PM, Rick Sussman at  wrote:


> Hi Andy,
> January 1998 was the last big irruption year for crossbills in MD.  There
> were good numbers of Red Crossbills seen in Carroll County near Liberty
> Reservoir, with smaller numbers of White-winged Crossbills also. They were not
> nearly so widespread as this year however, sticking mainly to just a couple of
> locations near the reservoir, and didn't linger as long either if I'm not
> mistaken.
> 
> Rick Sussman
> Woodbine,MD