Jim et al.:

We have had Red Crossbill flyovers here in Medina the last three days,
including this morning around 7:30. It's hard not to notice them calling
if you're outside gardening, as we were. This species is fairly regular,
though not annual, in our neighborhood.

Hal

>Tweets,
>
> I find the reports of Red Crossbills in the Seattle
>area quite interesting; I haven't seen or heard a Crossbill all
>year. I received a report of a pair of Crossbills using a bird-
>bath in Kent this last week but despite my knowing their call
>note and having birded King County quite heavily the last two
>weekends, i haven't come across any. I've birded the North Bend
>and Snoqualmie pass areas twice, Flaming Geyser St Pk in Auburn
>(heavily wooded), and Discovery Park as well.
>
> 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

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Hal Opperman - P. O. Box 286 - Medina, Washington 98039 - USA
halop at accessone.com - phone (425) 635-0503 - fax (425) 635-0271
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