Yesterday afternoon (15 Mar.'20) we had just stepped out of our rig at the Silver Dollar Lake trail head on Guanella Pass road (Clear Ck. Co., CO) when I heard then saw disappearing to the east a flock (10-15) of probable White-winged Crossbills. I'm leaving as "probable" as it's been awhile since I've bumped into a flock of these guys, and frankly hadn't really come to my wits in this very brief encounter as to the possibility until they were long gone. The only other possibility that came to mind is "Hemlock" (Type 3) Red Crossbills, which frankly would be a better bird down here. "Hemlocks" are fairly common in the right habitats up in North Idaho where we split time, and the calls just weren't quite right for these guys, so still thinking White-wingeds! While not a definitive identification, wanted to bring to the group's attention in case you wanted to practice some social distancing on a pair of snowshoes. Silver Dollar Lake trail is located at the current end-of-the-road on Guanella Pass from the Georgetown side. Other than the crossbills, normal mid-winter bird activity at elevation, so not much other than a couple of Ravens and Mt. Chickadees. Good luck if you head to the hills to get away from folks. Good Birding,Doug
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