I stopped by Centennial Park in Columbia this morning around 10:00am to look for the famous WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLS. As I pulled into the far western parking area from the southern park entrance, I immediately notice a good sized flock of the birds in the douglas firs right in front of my car. I stayed and took photos for about 45 minutes. The females were rather tame, feeding low on the trees and did not seem at all disturbed by my presence. The males seemed a bit more timid and remained at the tops of the trees. It was great to get close-up views of them feeding on the pine cones. The "click click" feeding sound was quite noticeable. 



As I was getting ready to leave, some other MDOpreyers arrived and also got some great looks!  It was nice to meet and share the experience. 



Thanks to those who posted about these special birds! This was a superb birding morning for me! 



Photos are on my flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/boo_radley_md/ 



It was also great to see the heronry chock full of statuesque heron silhouettes as I rounded the west exit ramp from 29 onto 175. So I guess spring will arrive, despite winter's tenacity. 



Jenny McClintock 

Columbia, MD