Another likely place to look for finches down low is at campground fire
pits/campfires, where there is a handy supply of charred material. I've
seen crossbills, E. Grosbeaks, Pine Siskins and others at such spots,
especially in summer.

Bob

----- Original Message -----
From: "Kris Olson" <kristenolson at yahoo.com>
To: <tweeters at u.washington.edu>
Sent: Friday, June 20, 2008 12:53 PM
Subject: [Tweeters] Finches and salt


> To add to the conversation about finches and salt, I have been told that
> Soda Springs in Tuolumne Meadows (California) is a great place to see Pine
> Grosbeaks and Crossbills. They apparently come down to pick at the
> minerals
> on the ground. Per a website: "Soda Springs, located on the north side of
> the meadow, is a naturally carbonated mineral spring. Pools of mineral
> water
> bubble up from beneath the ground." (I can't find information on what
> minerals..)
>
> I have also seen Western Bluebirds pick at gravel and parking lots-- our
> local bluebird box expert told us that bluebirds need minerals as part of
> their diet.
>
> Kris Olson, California
>
>
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