Just returned from a non-birding trip to Northern MN - including Red Lake Bog. We spent three days in Red Lake Bog. No birds of note were seen during the first two days. The final morning - last Tuesday - White-winged Crossbills were the most conspicious birds observed. Several flocks were seen along the Faunce Road between the Butterfield Forest Road and Oaks Corner.
It was quite a sight. Adult males seemed to be the most abundant with adult females and other plumages also present. The birds most observed spent little time working cones, but spent a fair amount of time apparently consuming minerals in bare soil areas. It was quite different to see this species surrounded by open water and green vegetation. At least three flocks of ~10+ birds were seen miles apart. Brad Bolduan Windom, MN
