Red Crossbills in Louisville

This years winter season has been phenomenal for the sighting of rare birds. Cave Hill Cemetery has been the winter home for two species of Crossbills. White-winged Crossbills and Red Crossbills were seen by many local birders starting in November. Fortunately for us, the Red Crossbills have stuck around! Crossbills haven't been seen in the Louisville area since the 1970's. For a great explanation as to why we are seeing Crossbills in Louisville, check out Ryans' previous blog post about the Finch Superflight !

Female Red Crossbill taken in November

Since the Red Crossbills have been feeding in the tops of the Hemlock Trees, getting good pictures has been rather difficult. The picture above was digiscoped with my iPhone. It is probably the best shot I have gotten thusfar.

Male & Female Red Crossbills feeding in Hemlock Trees at Cave Hill Cemetery

If you look closely at the above picture you can see five Red Crossbills feeding in the Hemlocks. If you can't find them all, click on the picture to go to my flickr page, where I have them outlined!

I am providing a link to some great pictures of the Red Crossbills taken by Brainard Palmer-Ball. When you get to his flickr page, scroll to the right to see a nice series of five pictures!

Female Red Crossbill taken in January 2013

Here is a great article and video about Red Crossbills from The Cornell Lab of Ornithology.

Posted in: Cave Hill Cemetery,Jefferson County,Louisville Kentucky,Red Crossbill