Category: George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary

Red Crossbill

On arriving at Reifel this afternoon I was encouraged to hear that a Swamp Sparrow was still being seen. Today’s sighting was near the tower instead of the usual southwest marsh area. I made my way there via the east and north dyke trails counting five Northern Saw-whet Owls along the way. Positioning myself so I could observe all the intersecting trails at the tower I began the waiting game. Lots of Spotted Tohwee, Song Sparrow and Golden-crowned Sparrow in addition to all the Red-winged Blackbird, but no Swamp Sparrow. This is currently one of my nemesis birds. Then while shifting my position some movement in the conifers caught my attention.

Red Crossbill
Red Crossbill

It was a Red Crossbill feeding on the pine cones.

Red Crossbill
Red Crossbill

Turns out there were actually two of them.

Red Crossbill
Red Crossbill

So the day was not a total loss. While I was skunked again on the Swamp Sparrow, the Red Crossbill is a new addition to my life photo list.

Siskin, Grosbeak & Redpoll

On the cool side, but a great afternoon for a walk. On arriving at Reifel I heard there were some Evening Grosbeak and Common Redpoll seen earlier in the day. On heading out the east dyke trail where they had been seen, it was not long before I located the Grosbeak. They were not in a great spot for photos, but while watching them I noticed another flock of birds active on the lower inside trail.

Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin

It was a good sized group of Pine Siskin. While higher up initially,

Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin

… they did make there way down to some lower branches.

Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin

It has been a few years since I have managed any shots of the Pine Siskin.

Pine Siskin
Pine Siskin

So I quite enjoyed this moment with them cooperating while feeding on the catkins.

Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak

Then the Evening Grosbeak made their way to a slightly better location,

Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak

… and provided a chance for some photos.

Evening Grosbeak
Evening Grosbeak

The Evening Grosbeak were busy feeding on some of the remaining Pacific crab apple. After they moved on it was time to find the Siskin again. If the Common Redpoll were around, chances are they would be mixed in with them.

Common Redpoll
Common Redpoll

There were a few Common Redpoll mixed in with the Siskin when I relocated the flock. Unfortunately they were not quite as cooperative and this is the only decent shot I managed. Nonetheless, a great afternoon to be out and about enjoying it all.