Subject: [Tweeters] White-winged Crossbills near Hurricane Ridge;
Date: Aug 7 10:39:55 2008
From: Bob Sundstrom - ixoreus at scattercreek.com


Tweeters,

While leading a birding tour in recent days, we saw a flock of 30-40 White-winged Crossbills at about the 4500' level along the road up to Hurricane Ridge (near Port Angeles). The flock flew over and disappeared toward a higher ridge of subalpine firs. It was astonishing to see this species so far west in Washington, but it does appear that irruptive White-winged Crossbills are turning up at many sites across the northern states and in Canada.

For anyone thinking of birding along the Hurricane Ridge road, you should know that a major road resurfacing push is underway, meaning various delays and almost no roadside green edge for the Sooty Grouse families that are typically seen at this time of year.

Good birding, Bob

Bob Sundstrom
Tenino, Washington
ixoreus at scattercreek.com