Friday the 13th turned out to be my lucky day. After trying for about a week to see the elusive Mt. Erie Crossbills, my patience was rewarded this morning at about 8:50. I was leaning against the railing at the famous lookout, however, I was looking west back towards the stairs. When suddenly and silently a bird seemingly appeared out of nowhere and perched on the large rock just to the right of the stairs. There was no mistaking it even without binoculars. Another one appeared shortly after and the two birds flew into their preferred tree flitting about in the branches feeding. They didn't stay long and after hitting a couple other trees near the cliff they flew off to the north and disappeared. This after watching the sunrise from the mountain top, what a way to start the day!

I left Mount Erie feeling very satisfied and proceeded towards the flats. At the begining of Bayview-edison Road on the east side of the road there was a flock of at least 240 Tundra Swans. There was another 250 Swans further out that I couldn't identify, but they may have all been Tundra's. On the flats I had good looks at the Sullivan Harlan's Hawk and the Prarie Falcon. Lucky Friday the 13th.

here's a link to a few photos of the crossbills and others.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/joelbp/

Joel Brady-Power
fvnerka at hotmail.com
Anacortes Wa 98221

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