At Cooley Bog we have numerous White-Winged Crossbills as soon as we got out of the car. That certainly makes the rest of the day easier!.
This was just the fourth time I have seen this species and today was by far the best. I had been at this same location in late August of this year because the same White-Winged Crossbills were breeding here. At that time I saw just 2-3 birds and for just a minute or so.
Today was quite different, first due to the snow-covered roads and continuing flurries, but most of all due to the nearly 30 birds we got to see and hear. These were my best looks ever at the species, with both males and females being well seen by all of us.
Later we tried for some Northern Shrikes that had been reported last week, but none were seen today. However we did get to see a handful of Pine Siskins, including scope views, and that made for a nice way to wrap up this shorter day of birding.
credit: Wildphotosphotography.com
