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. |