February 17, 2009

A lone White-winged Crossbill spent the better part of the morning near a group of tall White Pine Trees next to the NBNC building today. It was foraging amongst the cones and various other debris recently exposed by melting snow, occasionally venturing into the trees to explore the few remaining cones which hung from the branches. A homeschool group, visiting to discuss winter birds as part of our Youth Birding Program, was privileged to extended views of the Crossbill, which approached us within 10 feet as it hopped about in the snow. At the same time, a Pileated Woodpecker (also seen yesterday) was working the trees across the street from the Nature Center.