Quite the mix

[Leslie Kinrys]

There has been quite the mix of birds in our backyard. I think our crazy weather has brought some birds back early and made others reluctant to leave. Besides the usual suspects today, there were:
3 Common Redpolls
5 Pine Siskins
1 Red-winged Blackbird (He kept displaying his red epaulettes to scare a Starling off the feeder.)
1 Common Grackle
7 Brown-headed Cowbirds
and I saw a Turkey Vulture flying over our neighbourhood.

Also while walking through our neighbourhood yesterday, I saw 3 White-winged Crossbills sitting on the ground and feeding on cones. We are in the Bathurst/Sheppard area.

[Howieh]

I thought the crossbills would be gone by now but if I can find them I would love to get some pictures. I was in Earl Bales last week and except for a few robins it was really quiet. I was hoping to at least find the pileated woodpecker but no luck. The next few days will be a bit cooler so maybe some of the winter birds will hang around. I'm also hoping to see the male wood duck at oakbank pond (on Center St. between Bathurst and Yonge) as soon as the ice disappears; I'll let the forum know if he appears.