Finding Crossbills

I’m still sorting through my digital photos, deleting some, and organizing others in folders.  I came across this photo of Red Crossbills feeding on Sitka Spruce cones. You may have to look close to spot the male hanging upside down, and then there is a striped juvenile up and to the left.  Red Crossbills are fairly common in the Coast Range, but as this photo illustrates they blend in with the cones so well, that I think they are easily missed. Plus adding to the difficultly, they seem to prefer cones way at the top of the trees. They normally travel in flocks and are quite vocal and very busy.  When hiking in the coast range, keep ears open and look to the top of the conifirs for some commotion and you will probably spot these easily overlooked birds.