Another Red Crossbill at Quabbin

During a morning trip through three atlas blocks on prescott peninsula another Red Crossbill was found. This bird was first heard and then seen briefly as it flew by. This bird was a few miles away from where I had a female feeding two juveniles last month. Another neat record for Quabbin. Today almost had a winter birding feel with species such as the crossbill, Evening Grosbeak, Purple Finch, Golden crowned Kinglet, Red Breasted Nuthatch and Winter Wren. These, along with a couple Pine Siskins seen yesterday, certainly remind me of species expected during the winter (or at least looked for!). Other birds of note today included a small Sharpshinned Hawk, a Cooper's Hawk, a Woodcock walking along the road and a Northern Mockingbird (very unusual in this area of Quabbin) Several butterflies of various species also seen as the day warmed up. The usual variety and numbers of ticks which is expected with any trip into Quabbin.