On Wednesday, July 6, 2005 Betty Belanger posted to GABO that friends of hers living near Suches, Georgia, had Red Crossbills visiting their feeders for several days. Sure enough, over the next week several birders were welcomed by Jerry and Laverne Smoot to come sit on their cabin deck and observe the birds at close range!

After seeing a recent confirmation that the birds were still there, I left a message on the Smoots' machine that I was coming and got there at about 9:30am on July 15, 2005. Jerry welcomed me and I had a seat. I was immediately buzzed by several Ruby-throated Hummingbirds visiting her feeders right above the rocking chairs. Soon, a single Red Crossbill came to the feeders and was not at all shy, staying for several minutes for some great looks and a few low-light photos. Jerry then came out and we chatted about the local area and wildlife, and as we were talking a group of 5 Red Crossbills showed up. It looked like a family group(s) for sure, with mixed plumages and one bird (pictured) begging for food while hanging upside down from a perch. As Jerry mentioned, it seems that for the birds to be here at this time of year in such a group seems to indicate breeding nearby. What a great find - hope they return in years to come!

Return to Species Account Menu