Red Crossbills in Algonquin Park

Scroll down for photos and three videos

 

VIDEO 1: Pair Red Crossbills at Visitor Centre in Algonquin Park

This is a great year for seeing Red Crossbills in Algonquin Park. Male Red Crossbill at Visitor Centre feeders on 16 March 2018. Click on photo above or VIDEO 1 for video

 

Fatal Attraction

VIDEO 2: Red Crossbill Eating Road Salt

This Red Crossbill is eating road salt at the entrance to Spruce Bog Boardwalk parking lot. It was oblivious to cars, which fortunately slowed down so as not to hit it. Salt helps finches digest seeds, though too much salt is harmful, leading to disorientation and other negative side effects. Winter finches are attracted to road salt applied to busy Highway 60. We saw flocks of finches feeding on the road. For many, this attraction is fatal. 16 March 2018.

 

VIDEO 3:  Red Crossbills at Costello Picnic Area on Opeongo Road

Male Red Crossbill, one of two at Costello Picnic Area in Algonquin Park on 16 March 2018

 

Red Crossbills were vocalizing. 16 March 2018.

 

VIDEO 1: Pair Red Crossbills at Visitor Centre in Algonquin Park; VIDEO 2: Red Crossbill Eating Road Salt

VIDEO 3:  Red Crossbills on at Costello Picnic Area on Opeongo Road

 

More Algonquin Links

Evening Grosbeaks in Algonquin Park on 16 March 2018 - photos and video

 

Canada Jays in Algonquin Park on 16 March 2018 - photos