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Subject:

Centennial WWCrossbills (photos)

From:

Nico Sarbanes

Reply-To:

Nico Sarbanes

Date:

Sat, 7 Mar 2009 18:21:19 -0500

Hey everyone-

After baseball practice this morning, my Dad and I went to Columbia for the Crossbills at Centennial and the Red-Necked Grebe at Wilde Lake.  Upon arriving at Centennial, my hopes for Crossbills dropped a little when I saw the great number of people in the park- so many that they were making people park on the perimeter of the park, as the lots were filled up.  However, as I walked up to the spruces by the western parking lot, I was surprised to find a flock of about 20 birds, being very vocal.  These birds were extremely tame, but the sun wasn't out, so pictures were not fantastic.  I got a couple good shots though, and they are up at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicobirdphotos.  One young male bird, splotched with red and yellow, made such a close approach that my camera could not focus on it.  I put a couple cones in my hand, and held it out towards the young Crossbill.  While he did not land in my hand, he landed on the next closest branch, and inspected my offering before swooping back up to the top of the tree.  Honestly, without exaggeration, he was only about 10 or 12 inches away from me, giving me another awesome birding experience.  

After Centennial, we went to Wilde Lake for the Grebe, and found him right in the center of the lake, associating with a Pied-Billed Grebe.  An awesome day to be out, with some great birds.

Good birding,

Nico Sarbanes
Baltimore