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.
It was a Red Crossbill feeding on the pine cones.
Turns out there were actually two of them.
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.