In Minnesota I once saw White-winged crossbillls sitting in the middle of
a dirt road, picking at the ground. I presume they were after minerals
(salt on the road?). They were very intent at their task--two stayed put
as I slammed on the brakes and skidded to a halt about 10 feet from them.

Patrick Coin
COIN at NIEHS.NIH.GOV

======================

From: Mike Patterson <mpatters at EDNET1.OSL.OR.GOV>

This fire pit behavior is pretty well documented (though I'm at the wrong
computer to give you the specific references). I have seen crossbills,
Evening Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins and Cassin's Finches all hang out in them.
Ash is high in Potassium (Pot ash) and other trace minerals and they are
basically taking their vitamins. It is one of the many uses for forest fires.
Since we have taken to controlling the outbreak of naturally occurring fires
many of these forest birds have taken to fire pits.

******************************** Nothing at the top, but a bucket and a mop
* Mike Patterson, Astoria, OR * and an illustrated book about birds
* mpatters at ednet1.osl.or.gov * see a lot up there, but donUt be scared.
******************************** Who needs action when you got words? KC

===========================================

From: "Bruce D. Neville" <FG12%UTEP.BITNET at ARIZVM1.ccit.arizona.edu>

Jim Elder mentioned red crossbills foraging in ash pits in Algonquin
National Park and wondered if anyone else had observed similar
behavior. My life red crossbill was on Mount Lemmon, Arizona, picking
through the ashes of a dry charcoal grill. About the only place I can
definitely count on seeing red crossbills is around the grills at Rose
Lake campground on Mount Lemmon. I, however, didn't think to go
through the ashes myself to see what they might be finding.

From: Bruce Neville, El Paso, Texas <fg12 at utep>