On Sat, 17 May 1997, Jim P. Flynn wrote:
[snip]
>
> Are these Crossbills vocalizing as usual? I wonder if
> they're mostly restricted to the park; I suppose if a nomadic
> flock found a grove of trees with plentiful seeds they might stay
> put. I understand they can breed at any time of year, apparently
> a dependable food source is a strong stimulus towards starting
> the breeding cycle. It would be interesting to have updates
> through the early summer, especially any evidence of breeding.
>
> Jim Flynn
> Renton, WA
> bf519 at scn.org

The ones I run into give the typical "jit" flight calls overhead. Today I
saw one perched and singing, briefly - first time I've heard the song.
I'm the one who said I hear them almost daily in Discovery Park, but maybe
I should have added that I only frequent a small part of the park, near
the visitor's center. Still, I've heard reports of them from the north
lot area, too. I've got my eyes open for signs of breeding, but since my
eyes are always pointed towards the undergrowth and the nesting song
sparrows I'm studying, I may well miss it :)

If I see fledgling crossbills I'll try to remember to post it.

Chris Hill
Everett, WA
cehill at u.washington.edu