Since Kim Thorburn and I just can't seem to get enough of those lovely WW Crossbills, we decided to find the birds that Jon Isacoff had seen yesterday. Considering that the day was cold (low 20's) but with dazzling sunshine, we were looking forward to seeing these birds in full sun.

As usual, the early afternoon survey of the Morrison-Detour Roads failed to produce any Snowy Owls or raptors. Our best bird along this route was a NORTHERN SHRIKE.

After no more than five minutes of searching in the Davenport Cemetery, we had located the flock of WHITE-WINGED CROSSBILLs. Near the outhouse at the north end, the WW Crossbills were working a large cone-bearing spruce tree and a large Douglas Fir. There were at least dozen birds involved.

Often times, we could see four male WW Crossbills feeding so close to each other that they looked like a bright sprig of avian strawberries. One very dark female was with this group, and a pair of American Golfinches were loosely associating with the crossbills too. In addition, there was a RED-BREASTED NUTHATCH in the same tree.

As we were leaving, three of the male WW Crossbills and the pair of goldfinches landed in the leafless elm tree. This is the first time that I have seen WW Crossbills feeding in a deciduous tree.

It is such a treat to view these beautiful birds, and we thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For birders in the Snowkan (Spokane) area, this flock of WW Crossbills might be easiest one to see.

Gina Sheridan
Spokane, WA