While admiring these apples, I saw and heard a new bird for my yard. In fact, this is a life bird for me (one I've never seen before.) While this photo isn't the best (would love a new camera with more zoom, this is just a small point and shoot), it does document the White Winged Crossbill. There were and still are about 2 dozen in and around my yard. This bird is an irruptive species. Meaning that they don't normally winter here (common north of here, in Canada) but will move for food as needed. (food source is low) Right now in Ohio, there are postings daily on the Ohio Bird List Serve from birders allover the state who are seeing these beautiful birds. I hope my flock takes up residence for a while.
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So very exciting...this is the kind of experience that makes me smile for days...lucky you.
ReplyDeleteI also hope that this little flock stays close by for a time so you can savor the rarity...keep the feeders stocked!
Yes, seeing the xbills made me smile for the rest of the day. The best part of it was that I was feeling cooped in and getting kind of edgy/grouchy and decided to go outside to clear my head!
ReplyDeleteYou were right...they were out there in the apple tree!!! I wish I would have still been there to see them in the snow globe that doesn't stretch to my non snow globe on the west side!!! They are beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteMJ, Maybe next time you enter the snow globe they'll be here...a Christmas gift for you!
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