Date: 2/25/26 5:17 pm From: Vicki King via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] REMINDER: WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only)
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds." What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)? And why have them? Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth.
Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator. She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington. For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke. Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator. We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
As with the rest of the folks on this list, thank you for bringing this question up - proves there are no "dumbest" questions when it comes to bird biology. I do think there is a clear takeaway, however, some crossbills are left-billed, while others are right-billed - a genetic quirk that highlights the diversity of Nature, something to be appreciated and celebrated. I hope this discussion has encouraged some of you to fall further down the rabbit hole when it comes to crossbill ecology and evolution. As I've mentioned here previously, crossbills are our Darwin's finches and we are lucky to live in the heart of this evolution-in-progress story. While an oldie-but-goodie, this article from Sibley (https://www.sibleyguides.com/2010/09/red-crossbill-call-types-act-like-species/) is a good summary of what is going on with these guys, There has obviously been a ton of science conducted since this article came out, so if you now have piqued curiosity, check out the postings by the Finch Research Network (https://finchnetwork.org/) to get up to speed on the current science. Again, thank you Catherine for asking about your crossbills, I've learned a lot. Good Crossbilling, Doug
-----Original Message----- From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On Behalf Of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders Sent: Tuesday, February 24, 2026 1:43 PM To: David McNeely <davmcneely40...> Cc: Ken Pitts <kenp...>; Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Thanks to everyone who jumped in with explanations for me! The links and additional searches made for some interesting (although somewhat confusing with all the scientific words) reading. I don't know if I came away with a clear answer, but I now know a bit more than I did before.
On Mon, Feb 23, 2026 at 12:15 PM David McNeely <davmcneely40...> wrote:
> Probably not. Genetics is suspected, though not proven, despite my > earlier assertion that it is well known. Red crossbill chicks show > morphological differentiation of the bill crossing phenotype BEFORE > they start feeding on their own, that is, while the parents are still > feeding them partially digested seed mash in the nest. But there is > evidently no definitive genetic data. > > https://bootstrap-analysis.com/2005/12/crossbills.which.html > > On Mon, Feb 23, 2026 at 8:41 AM Ken Pitts via Inland-nw-birders < > <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: > >> Hi Catherine! >> >> Your question about the curve direction of Red Crossbills is really >> interesting. I did a quick Google search of Red Crossbill photos and >> saw that some go to the left and some go to the right. I then found >> an explanation that when the Red Crossbills are young, they have >> pretty typical finch beaks. As they attempt to get seeds out of >> cones, they tend to always pry one direction that is not the same for all the others. >> Constant prying in the same direction causes the beak to warp that >> direction, thus determining the lifelong result. >> >> The best! >> >> Ken >> >> On Sun, Feb 22, 2026 at 10:42 AM Catherine Temple via >> Inland-nw-birders < <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: >> >> > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road >> > so I took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each >> > birds bill (a male and female) curved in a different direction. I >> > know a lot has been said about the difference in bill size and the >> > different "types" based >> on >> > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species >> > or >> type >> > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to >> > have left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a >> difference >> > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first >> > time >> I've >> > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached >> > a >> photo >> > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. >> > Catherine >> > >> > >> > -- >> > >> > *Catherine Temple* >> > >> > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* >> > >> > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* >> > <ctemple99...> >> > >> > www.catherinetemple.com >> > www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Inland-nw-birders mailing list >> > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage >> > subscription: >> > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> Inland-nw-birders mailing list >> send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: >> https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders >> >
--
*Catherine Temple*
*Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist*
*Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* <ctemple99...>
www.catherinetemple.com www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Thanks to everyone who jumped in with explanations for me! The links and additional searches made for some interesting (although somewhat confusing with all the scientific words) reading. I don't know if I came away with a clear answer, but I now know a bit more than I did before.
On Mon, Feb 23, 2026 at 12:15 PM David McNeely <davmcneely40...> wrote:
> Probably not. Genetics is suspected, though not proven, despite my > earlier assertion that it is well known. Red crossbill chicks show > morphological differentiation of the bill crossing phenotype BEFORE they > start feeding on their own, that is, while the parents are still feeding > them partially digested seed mash in the nest. But there is evidently no > definitive genetic data. > > https://bootstrap-analysis.com/2005/12/crossbills.which.html > > On Mon, Feb 23, 2026 at 8:41 AM Ken Pitts via Inland-nw-birders < > <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: > >> Hi Catherine! >> >> Your question about the curve direction of Red Crossbills is really >> interesting. I did a quick Google search of Red Crossbill photos and saw >> that some go to the left and some go to the right. I then found an >> explanation that when the Red Crossbills are young, they have pretty >> typical finch beaks. As they attempt to get seeds out of cones, they tend >> to always pry one direction that is not the same for all the others. >> Constant prying in the same direction causes the beak to warp that >> direction, thus determining the lifelong result. >> >> The best! >> >> Ken >> >> On Sun, Feb 22, 2026 at 10:42 AM Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders < >> <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: >> >> > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I >> > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a >> > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been >> > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based >> on >> > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or >> type >> > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have >> > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a >> difference >> > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time >> I've >> > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a >> photo >> > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. >> > Catherine >> > >> > >> > -- >> > >> > *Catherine Temple* >> > >> > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* >> > >> > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* >> > <ctemple99...> >> > >> > www.catherinetemple.com >> > www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ >> > _______________________________________________ >> > Inland-nw-birders mailing list >> > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> >> > manage subscription: >> > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders >> > >> _______________________________________________ >> Inland-nw-birders mailing list >> send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> >> manage subscription: >> https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders >> >
--
*Catherine Temple*
*Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist*
*Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* <ctemple99...>
www.catherinetemple.com www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/24/26 1:21 pm From: monique slipher via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Red Crossbills
Thanks to both people who referenced the scientific papers, and to Catherine for asking! To Tina's lament about her same question once being called "dumbest" - clearly it's not, as research has been done on the same observations. That well-respected local birder may not understand how the scientific process works.... Every discovery starts with a question. Cheers, Monique Pullman, WA ________________________________ From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on behalf of <inland-nw-birders-request...> <inland-nw-birders-request...> Sent: Monday, February 23, 2026 7:53 AM To: <inland-nw-birders...> <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Inland-nw-birders Digest, Vol 216, Issue 9
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Date: 2/23/26 12:17 pm From: David McNeely via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Probably not. Genetics is suspected, though not proven, despite my earlier assertion that it is well known. Red crossbill chicks show morphological differentiation of the bill crossing phenotype BEFORE they start feeding on their own, that is, while the parents are still feeding them partially digested seed mash in the nest. But there is evidently no definitive genetic data.
On Mon, Feb 23, 2026 at 8:41 AM Ken Pitts via Inland-nw-birders < <inland-nw-birders...> wrote:
> Hi Catherine! > > Your question about the curve direction of Red Crossbills is really > interesting. I did a quick Google search of Red Crossbill photos and saw > that some go to the left and some go to the right. I then found an > explanation that when the Red Crossbills are young, they have pretty > typical finch beaks. As they attempt to get seeds out of cones, they tend > to always pry one direction that is not the same for all the others. > Constant prying in the same direction causes the beak to warp that > direction, thus determining the lifelong result. > > The best! > > Ken > > On Sun, Feb 22, 2026 at 10:42 AM Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders < > <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: > > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or > type > > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time > I've > > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a > photo > > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > > Catherine > > > > > > -- > > > > *Catherine Temple* > > > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > > <ctemple99...> > > > > www.catherinetemple.com > > www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ > > _______________________________________________ > > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > > manage subscription: > > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > > > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/23/26 8:41 am From: Ken Pitts via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Hi Catherine!
Your question about the curve direction of Red Crossbills is really interesting. I did a quick Google search of Red Crossbill photos and saw that some go to the left and some go to the right. I then found an explanation that when the Red Crossbills are young, they have pretty typical finch beaks. As they attempt to get seeds out of cones, they tend to always pry one direction that is not the same for all the others. Constant prying in the same direction causes the beak to warp that direction, thus determining the lifelong result.
The best!
Ken
On Sun, Feb 22, 2026 at 10:42 AM Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders < <inland-nw-birders...> wrote:
> Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > Catherine > > > -- > > *Catherine Temple* > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > <ctemple99...> > > www.catherinetemple.com > www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/23/26 7:54 am From: Stephen Elston via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Red Crossbill
Very interesting. Thank you Cindy.
I wonder if there has been any divergence from the 1:1 ratio of crossing directions since 1996?
Happy birding to all! Steve
On Mon, Feb 23, 2026 at 5:21 AM Cindy McCormack via Inland-nw-birders < <inland-nw-birders...> wrote:
> Hi everyone! > This is an excellent question and observation! They are fascinating to see > up close. > > See the paper on exactly this question: > > Benkman, C. W. (1996). Are the ratios of bill crossing morphs in crossbills > the result of frequency-dependent selection? Evolutionary Ecology > 10:119-126. > > You can copy the above into the Google search bar, or the paper is > available for viewing here: > > https://www.academia.edu/28795785/Are_the_ratios_of_bill_crossing_morphs_in_crossbills_the_result_of_frequency_dependent_selection > > > Cindy > > > > *_________________Cindy McCormackVancouver, WAnwbirderatgmailcom* > > > > From: Catherine Temple <ctemple99...> > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > > Cc: > > Bcc: > > Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:41:43 -0800 > > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or > type > > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time > I've > > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a > photo > > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > > Catherine > > > > > > -- > > > > *Catherine Temple* > > > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > > <ctemple99...> > > > > www.catherinetemple.com > > www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ > > > > > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > From: Tina wynecoop <wynecoop...> > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>, Catherine > > Temple <ctemple99...> > > Cc: > > Bcc: > > Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:38:02 +0000 > > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A > > well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I > know > > that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! > > Can't wait for the responses you receive. > > Tina > > > > > > > > ')> > > > > > > > > * > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on > > behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders < > > <inland-nw-birders...> > > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or > type > > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time > I've > > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a > photo > > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > > Catherine > > > > > > -- > > > > *Catherine Temple* > > > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > > <ctemple99...> > > > > > > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherinetemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RN%2BZ0eL60RFGKU3xXUHxk9dQnu8vUu6qRrfu8DarXyk%3D&reserved=0 > > <http://www.catherinetemple.com/> > > > > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gaDcKvsUKj6%2Br%2BfAcqvM%2FezhjCqVZRv0g6pnBrea1vs%3D&reserved=0 > > <http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/> > > _______________________________________________ > > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > > manage subscription: > > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlists.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398185528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8T0gKDnC0tbXAkE0W%2Bx%2BC737JrL8kH6Cuqpc38hSdXo%3D&reserved=0 > > <https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders> > > > > > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > From: <beaharrison...> > > To: "'Tina wynecoop'" <wynecoop...>, "'Inland NW birders'" < > > <Inland-nw-birders...>, "'Catherine Temple'" < > > <ctemple99...> > > Cc: > > Bcc: > > Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:39:26 -0800 > > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > I think that there will be some natural variation in them, just like in > any > > species. Sometimes violets are white instead of violet for example. > This > > is what drives evolution. If the bill works better crossed the other > way, > > then that bird may be able to produce more young and the trait will pass > to > > the next generation. > > > > Bea > > Bea Harrison > > 830-313-0610 > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On > > Behalf Of Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders > > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 5:38 PM > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>; Catherine > > Temple > > <ctemple99...> > > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > > > Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A > > well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I > know > > that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! > > Can't wait for the responses you receive. > > Tina > > > > > > > > ')> > > > > > > > > * > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on > > behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders > > <inland-nw-birders...> > > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > > said > > about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the > > types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time > I've > > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a > photo > > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > > Catherine > > > > > > -- > > > > *Catherine Temple* > > > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > > <ctemple99...> > > > > > > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherin > > > > etemple.com > %2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7f > > > > > e9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3 > > < > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherinetemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3 > > > > > > > d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbC > > > > > IsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RN%2BZ0eL60RFGKU3xXUHxk9dQnu8vUu6qRrfu > > 8DarXyk%3D&reserved=0<http://www.catherinetemple.com/> > > > > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.c > > > > > om%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680% > > > > > 7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7C > > < > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7C > > > > > > > TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFO > > > > > IjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gaDcKvsUKj6%2Br%2BfAcqvM%2Fe > > zhjCqVZRv0g6pnBrea1vs%3D&reserved=0< > http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/> > > _______________________________________________ > > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: > > > > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlist > > > > s.us > %2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb4 > > > > > 4a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390738263 > > < > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlists.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390738263 > > > > > > > 98185528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCI > > > > > sIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8T0gKDn > > C0tbXAkE0W%2Bx%2BC737JrL8kH6Cuqpc38hSdXo%3D&reserved=0< > > https://mailmanlists. > > us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders> > > _______________________________________________ > > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: > > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > > > > > > > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > > From: Lindell Haggin <lindell4118...> > > To: Bea Harrison <beaharrison...> > > Cc: Tina and Judge Wynecoop <wynecoop...>, Inland NW birders < > > <Inland-nw-birders...>, Catherine Temple < > <ctemple99...> > > Bcc: > > Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:29:40 -0800 > > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > I think I’ve read that left over right and right over left are in the > same > > ration as left-handedness. > > > > Lindell > > > > > On Feb 22, 2026, at 6:39 PM, beaharrison--- via Inland-nw-birders < > > <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: > > > > > > I think that there will be some natural variation in them, just like in > > any > > > species. Sometimes violets are white instead of violet for example. > > This > > > is what drives evolution. If the bill works better crossed the other > > way, > > > then that bird may be able to produce more young and the trait will > pass > > to > > > the next generation. > > > > > > Bea > > > Bea Harrison > > > 830-313-0610 > > > > > > -----Original Message----- > > > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On > > > Behalf Of Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders > > > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 5:38 PM > > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>; Catherine > > Temple > > > <ctemple99...> > > > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > > > > > Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A > > > well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I > > know > > > that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! > > > Can't wait for the responses you receive. > > > Tina > > > > > > > > > > > > ')> > > > > > > > > > > > > * > > > > > > ________________________________ > > > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on > > > behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders > > > <inland-nw-birders...> > > > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM > > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > > > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > > > > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so > I > > > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill > (a > > > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > > said > > > about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > the > > > types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > > > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to > have > > > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a > difference > > > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time > > I've > > > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a > > photo > > > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > > > Catherine > > > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/23/26 5:20 am From: Cindy McCormack via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Red Crossbill
Hi everyone! This is an excellent question and observation! They are fascinating to see up close.
See the paper on exactly this question:
Benkman, C. W. (1996). Are the ratios of bill crossing morphs in crossbills the result of frequency-dependent selection? Evolutionary Ecology 10:119-126.
> From: Catherine Temple <ctemple99...> > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 10:41:43 -0800 > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > Catherine > > > -- > > *Catherine Temple* > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > <ctemple99...> > > www.catherinetemple.com > www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Tina wynecoop <wynecoop...> > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>, Catherine > Temple <ctemple99...> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:38:02 +0000 > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A > well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I know > that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! > Can't wait for the responses you receive. > Tina > > > > ')> > > > > * > > ________________________________ > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on > behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders < > <inland-nw-birders...> > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > Catherine > > > -- > > *Catherine Temple* > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > <ctemple99...> > > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherinetemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RN%2BZ0eL60RFGKU3xXUHxk9dQnu8vUu6qRrfu8DarXyk%3D&reserved=0 > <http://www.catherinetemple.com/> > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gaDcKvsUKj6%2Br%2BfAcqvM%2FezhjCqVZRv0g6pnBrea1vs%3D&reserved=0 > <http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/> > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlists.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398185528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8T0gKDnC0tbXAkE0W%2Bx%2BC737JrL8kH6Cuqpc38hSdXo%3D&reserved=0 > <https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders> > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: <beaharrison...> > To: "'Tina wynecoop'" <wynecoop...>, "'Inland NW birders'" < > <Inland-nw-birders...>, "'Catherine Temple'" < > <ctemple99...> > Cc: > Bcc: > Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 18:39:26 -0800 > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > I think that there will be some natural variation in them, just like in any > species. Sometimes violets are white instead of violet for example. This > is what drives evolution. If the bill works better crossed the other way, > then that bird may be able to produce more young and the trait will pass to > the next generation. > > Bea > Bea Harrison > 830-313-0610 > > -----Original Message----- > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On > Behalf Of Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 5:38 PM > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>; Catherine > Temple > <ctemple99...> > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A > well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I know > that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! > Can't wait for the responses you receive. > Tina > > > > ')> > > > > * > > ________________________________ > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on > behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders > <inland-nw-birders...> > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > said > about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the > types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > Catherine > > > -- > > *Catherine Temple* > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > <ctemple99...> > > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherin > > etemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7f > > e9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3 > <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherinetemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3> > > d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbC > > IsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RN%2BZ0eL60RFGKU3xXUHxk9dQnu8vUu6qRrfu > 8DarXyk%3D&reserved=0<http://www.catherinetemple.com/> > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.c > > om%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680% > > 7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7C > <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.com%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7C> > > TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFO > > IjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gaDcKvsUKj6%2Br%2BfAcqvM%2Fe > zhjCqVZRv0g6pnBrea1vs%3D&reserved=0<http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/> > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlist > > s.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb4 > > 4a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390738263 > <https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlists.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390738263> > > 98185528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCI > > sIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8T0gKDn > C0tbXAkE0W%2Bx%2BC737JrL8kH6Cuqpc38hSdXo%3D&reserved=0< > https://mailmanlists. > us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders> > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > > > > > > ---------- Forwarded message ---------- > From: Lindell Haggin <lindell4118...> > To: Bea Harrison <beaharrison...> > Cc: Tina and Judge Wynecoop <wynecoop...>, Inland NW birders < > <Inland-nw-birders...>, Catherine Temple <ctemple99...> > Bcc: > Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2026 21:29:40 -0800 > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > I think I’ve read that left over right and right over left are in the same > ration as left-handedness. > > Lindell > > > On Feb 22, 2026, at 6:39 PM, beaharrison--- via Inland-nw-birders < > <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: > > > > I think that there will be some natural variation in them, just like in > any > > species. Sometimes violets are white instead of violet for example. > This > > is what drives evolution. If the bill works better crossed the other > way, > > then that bird may be able to produce more young and the trait will pass > to > > the next generation. > > > > Bea > > Bea Harrison > > 830-313-0610 > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On > > Behalf Of Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders > > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 5:38 PM > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>; Catherine > Temple > > <ctemple99...> > > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > > > Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A > > well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I > know > > that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! > > Can't wait for the responses you receive. > > Tina > > > > > > > > ')> > > > > > > > > * > > > > ________________________________ > > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on > > behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders > > <inland-nw-birders...> > > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM > > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > said > > about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the > > types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time > I've > > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a > photo > > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > > Catherine > _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/22/26 11:13 pm From: David McNeely via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
The bill curve direction is due to a simple genetic relationship. There is one genetic locus (point on a chromosome where a gene resides) for bill curve direction, and two forms of the gene (two alleles). Right curving of the mandible (lower bill) is dominant. So if a bird with two right curving alleles mates with one with two left curving alleles, 3/4 of the offspring will have right curving bills, while 1/4 have left curving bills. A paper in the Auk explains this, but my browser will not let me copy and paste the url. Google crossbill bill genetics and you will find it.
David McNeely
On Sun, Feb 22, 2026 at 10:44 AM Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders < <inland-nw-birders...> wrote:
> Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been > said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on > the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > Catherine > > > -- > > *Catherine Temple* > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > <ctemple99...> > > www.catherinetemple.com > www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
I think I’ve read that left over right and right over left are in the same ration as left-handedness.
Lindell
> On Feb 22, 2026, at 6:39 PM, beaharrison--- via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> wrote: > > I think that there will be some natural variation in them, just like in any > species. Sometimes violets are white instead of violet for example. This > is what drives evolution. If the bill works better crossed the other way, > then that bird may be able to produce more young and the trait will pass to > the next generation. > > Bea > Bea Harrison > 830-313-0610 > > -----Original Message----- > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On > Behalf Of Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 5:38 PM > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>; Catherine Temple > <ctemple99...> > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A > well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I know > that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! > Can't wait for the responses you receive. > Tina > > > > ')> > > > > * > > ________________________________ > From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on > behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders > <inland-nw-birders...> > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM > To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills > > Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I > took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a > male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been said > about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the > types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type > shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have > left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference > between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've > been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo > of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. > Catherine > > > -- > > *Catherine Temple* > > *Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist* > > *Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* > <ctemple99...> > > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherin > etemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7f > e9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3 > d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbC > IsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RN%2BZ0eL60RFGKU3xXUHxk9dQnu8vUu6qRrfu > 8DarXyk%3D&reserved=0<http://www.catherinetemple.com/> > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.c > om%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680% > 7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7C > TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFO > IjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gaDcKvsUKj6%2Br%2BfAcqvM%2Fe > zhjCqVZRv0g6pnBrea1vs%3D&reserved=0<http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/> > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlist > s.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb4 > 4a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390738263 > 98185528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCI > sIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8T0gKDn > C0tbXAkE0W%2Bx%2BC737JrL8kH6Cuqpc38hSdXo%3D&reserved=0<https://mailmanlists. > us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders> > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
I think that there will be some natural variation in them, just like in any species. Sometimes violets are white instead of violet for example. This is what drives evolution. If the bill works better crossed the other way, then that bird may be able to produce more young and the trait will pass to the next generation.
Bea Bea Harrison 830-313-0610
-----Original Message----- From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> On Behalf Of Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 5:38 PM To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...>; Catherine Temple <ctemple99...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I know that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! Can't wait for the responses you receive. Tina
')>
*
________________________________ From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. Catherine
--
*Catherine Temple*
*Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist*
*Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* <ctemple99...>
https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.catherin etemple.com%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7f e9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398138634%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3 d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbC IsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=RN%2BZ0eL60RFGKU3xXUHxk9dQnu8vUu6qRrfu 8DarXyk%3D&reserved=0<http://www.catherinetemple.com/> https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.flickr.c om%2Fphotos%2Fctemple%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb44a0bf06908de72425680% 7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639073826398164547%7CUnknown%7C TWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFO IjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=gaDcKvsUKj6%2Br%2BfAcqvM%2Fe zhjCqVZRv0g6pnBrea1vs%3D&reserved=0<http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/> _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmailmanlist s.us%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Finland-nw-birders&data=05%7C02%7C%7C6d9a9d499bb4 4a0bf06908de72425680%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C6390738263 98185528%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCI sIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8T0gKDn C0tbXAkE0W%2Bx%2BC737JrL8kH6Cuqpc38hSdXo%3D&reserved=0<https://mailmanlists. us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders> _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/22/26 5:39 pm From: Tina wynecoop via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Good question. I've been asking the same question for years. A well-respected local birder told me I asked the dumbest question. I know that is not a usual response - but I stopped asking it. Glad you have! Can't wait for the responses you receive. Tina
')>
*
________________________________ From: Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders-bounces...> on behalf of Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2026 10:41 AM To: Inland NW birders <Inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. Catherine
Date: 2/22/26 10:42 am From: Catherine Temple via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Crossbills
Yesterday I saw a pair of red crossbills gathering grit in the road so I took some lovely photos of them. Later I noticed that each birds bill (a male and female) curved in a different direction. I know a lot has been said about the difference in bill size and the different "types" based on the types of cones they eat. But if the birds are the same species or type shouldn't the bills curve in the same direction? Or is it common to have left and right curved bills within the same type? Or is this a difference between male and female? I'm really curious as this is the first time I've been able to get close enough to see the differences. I've attached a photo of the pair. Thanks in advance if you can enlighten me. Catherine
--
*Catherine Temple*
*Pet Portrait and Wildlife Artist*
*Clarkston, WA.(208) 791-7052* <ctemple99...>
www.catherinetemple.com www.flickr.com/photos/ctemple/ _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/21/26 11:38 pm From: David McNeely via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Clark's grebes! Spokane County
This afternoon, 4 p.m., there were 2 of what I really think were Clark's grebes on Bear Lake at Bear Lake County Park in northern Spokane County. I had a good look at the birds through good quality 8X binoculars, and they fit all the features that differentiate them from western grebes, including orangish bright yellow, slightly upturned, bills (no greenish tint) and the white face extending well above the eye. I have reported this to Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife via their online rare animal reporting form, given the well out of winter range location for this bird and that the department requests that this bird should be reported if seen.
The Spokane County checklist reports Clark's grebes as being "rare" in Spokane County, and I believe that all reports have been outside the winter season.
Date: 2/21/26 11:28 pm From: David McNeely via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Western Bluebirds, Bear Lake, Spokane County
I thought I reported the female western bluebird I saw at Bear Lake County Park in north Spokane County on February 1st earlier, but I see that I only sent the post to one person rather than to the list. So, here it is again.
And today I saw 3 male western bluebirds at the same park near the upper parking lot. I also saw numerous dark-eyed juncos which of course are common in winter and 2 fox sparrows.
Date: 2/20/26 6:18 pm From: Vicki King via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Fw: Fw: natural history illustration courses
Maria, I was able to ask Madison Mayfield, and she offered this further input from her website (https://madisonerinmayfield.com) FAQs page. We hope it is helpful.
"The amazing thing about science illustration is that there are a million different ways to get into the field and a degree isn’t necessarily required! The first question I’m usually asked by those interested in pursuing science illustration is, what should I go to school for? Unfortunately, science illustration isn’t really offered as an undergraduate degree option (although there are a few remaining multi-year programs like the one at Arcadia University!). If you do decide to pursue higher education, a science or art related degree would both benefit a career in science illustration. Pursuing a science degree provides you with added knowledge of your subject matter and may set you up with a larger client base in the form of professors, TAs, research associates etc. who may need illustrations for their scientific research. On the other hand, pursuing an art degree puts you a step ahead artistically, equipping you with strong technical skills such as an understanding of mediums, composition, color theory, etc.
To start learning the specific skills and techniques employed by a scientific illustrator, enrolling in a science illustration program after your four year degree, such as the one at California State University Monterey Bay, is highly recommended. More affordable and accessible programs can also be found online, but specific science illustration training is important to truly understand the field! Of course, it is always possible to find success as a completely self-taught illustrator, using resources like the Guild Handbook of Science Illustration, the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators, etc. and spending ample time practicing and creating art. Practice and time truly are the only ways to improve and succeed as an artist!"
-- Madison Mayfield (she/her) Assistant Collections Manager of Ornithology Research Tech - Behavioral Ecophysics Lab Burke Museum, University of Washington <madism2...>
> -------Original Message------- > From: monique slipher via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> > To: Inland-NW-Birders Listserv <inland-nw-birders...> > Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Fw: natural history illustration courses > Sent: Feb 19 '26 20:32 > > Hi Marla, > New York Botanical Garden, for one, has a long-running complete program in Botanical Illustration  - they still offer a 221 hour certificate in it.  It's plant specific, but many/most of the techniques are transferable to any other scientific illustration field. > The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators website has a list of some other programs, or just search online for "scientific illustration certificate"  - I saw at least a half-dozen more come up, including online courses. > Cheers, > Monique Slipher > Pullman, WA > ________________________________ > From: Marla Jones <marlajns...> > Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 6:23 AM > To: <inland-nw-birders...> <inland-nw-birders...>; marla jones <marlajns...> > Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Inland-nw-birders Digest, Vol 216, Issue 2 > > I don't think that Certificate in Natural History Illustration exists anymore at UW. It must have been a program offered decades ago. They had a Scientific Illustration program for awhile in the 2000's, but it was out of pocket, not FAFSA or VA eligible, and doesn't exist anymore. Where can a person find a certificate or training program in natural history illustration today? > >     On Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 05:01:00 AM MST, <inland-nw-birders-request...> wrote: > > Send Inland-nw-birders mailing list submissions to >     <inland-nw-birders...> > > To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit >     https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to >     <inland-nw-birders-request...> > > You can reach the person managing the list at >     <inland-nw-birders-owner...> > > When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific > than "Re: Contents of Inland-nw-birders digest..." > Today's Topics: > >   1.  WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only) >       (<meetings...>) > The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds."  What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)?  And why have them?  Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth. > > Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator.  She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington.  For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke.  Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator.  We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia! > > This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page:  https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/  for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link. > > When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off. > > This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel:  https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos > > If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at  https://wos.org > > Please join us! > > Elaine Chuang > WOS Program Support > > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > <Inland-nw-birders...> > https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > > _______________________________________________ > Inland-nw-birders mailing list > send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> > manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders > _______________________________________________ Inland-nw-birders mailing list send email to: <Inland-nw-birders...> manage subscription: https://mailmanlists.us/mailman/listinfo/inland-nw-birders
Date: 2/19/26 8:32 pm From: monique slipher via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Fw: natural history illustration courses
Hi Marla, New York Botanical Garden, for one, has a long-running complete program in Botanical Illustration - they still offer a 221 hour certificate in it. It's plant specific, but many/most of the techniques are transferable to any other scientific illustration field. The Guild of Natural Science Illustrators website has a list of some other programs, or just search online for "scientific illustration certificate" - I saw at least a half-dozen more come up, including online courses. Cheers, Monique Slipher Pullman, WA ________________________________ From: Marla Jones <marlajns...> Sent: Wednesday, February 18, 2026 6:23 AM To: <inland-nw-birders...> <inland-nw-birders...>; marla jones <marlajns...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Inland-nw-birders Digest, Vol 216, Issue 2
I don't think that Certificate in Natural History Illustration exists anymore at UW. It must have been a program offered decades ago. They had a Scientific Illustration program for awhile in the 2000's, but it was out of pocket, not FAFSA or VA eligible, and doesn't exist anymore. Where can a person find a certificate or training program in natural history illustration today?
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 05:01:00 AM MST, <inland-nw-birders-request...> wrote:
Send Inland-nw-birders mailing list submissions to <inland-nw-birders...>
You can reach the person managing the list at <inland-nw-birders-owner...>
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Inland-nw-birders digest..." Today's Topics:
1. WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only) (<meetings...>) The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds." What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)? And why have them? Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth.
Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator. She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington. For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke. Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator. We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page: https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/ for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at https://wos.org
Date: 2/18/26 6:24 am From: Marla Jones via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: Re: [inland-NW-birders] Inland-nw-birders Digest, Vol 216, Issue 2
I don't think that Certificate in Natural History Illustration exists anymore at UW. It must have been a program offered decades ago. They had a Scientific Illustration program for awhile in the 2000's, but it was out of pocket, not FAFSA or VA eligible, and doesn't exist anymore. Where can a person find a certificate or training program in natural history illustration today?Â
On Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 05:01:00 AM MST, <inland-nw-birders-request...> wrote:
Send Inland-nw-birders mailing list submissions to    <inland-nw-birders...>
You can reach the person managing the list at    <inland-nw-birders-owner...>
When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific than "Re: Contents of Inland-nw-birders digest..." Today's Topics:
 1. WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only)    (<meetings...>) The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds."  What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)?  And why have them?  Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth.
Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator.  She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington.  For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke.  Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator.  We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page:Â Â https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/Â Â for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel:Â Â https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at  https://wos.org
Date: 2/17/26 10:46 pm From: Vicki King via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] WOS Monthly Meeting, March 2, 2026 (on-line only)
The Washington Ornithological Society (WOS) is pleased to announce our next Monthly Meeting: on Monday, March 2, 2026, Madison Mayfield will present, "A Different Kind of Life List: A Career Painting, Curating & Taxidermying Birds."  What goes on in a natural history museum like the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, University of Washington (Seattle)?  And why have them?  Filled with far more than just a lot of "stuffed animals," these collections are time-capsule libraries of biological diversity, and an irreplaceable, verifiable record of Life on Earth.
Madison Mayfield is a museum professional, educator, natural history artist and taxidermist as well as a scientific illustrator.  She holds a BS in Conservation Biology and a certificate in Natural History Illustration from the University of Washington.  For the past 8 years, she has worked in natural history museums around the world as a preparator, educator, outreach director and now is a collections manager at the Burke.  Madison is also a skilled artist and scientific illustrator.  We'll learn about the art of taxidermy and why dead birds are more important than ever as Madison takes us along a path from painting birds to sewing up a Cassowary in Australia to banding hummingbirds in Colombia!
This meeting will be conducted virtually, via Zoom (no in-person attendance). Sign-in will begin at 7:15 pm, and the meeting commences at 7:30 pm. Please go to the WOS Monthly Meetings page:Â Â https://wos.org/monthly-meetings/Â Â for instructions on participation and to get the Zoom link.
When joining the meeting, we ask that you mute your device and make certain that your camera is turned off.
This meeting is open to all as WOS invites everyone in the wider birding community to attend. Thanks to the generosity of our presenters, recordings of past programs are available at the following link to the WOS YouTube Channel:Â Â https://www.youtube.com/@washingtonornithologicalso7839/videos
If you are not yet a member of WOS, we hope you will consider becoming one at  https://wos.org
Date: 2/1/26 10:31 am From: Mary Giddings via Inland-nw-birders <inland-nw-birders...> Subject: [inland-NW-birders] Bluebirds!
Three Western Bluebirds just arrived and are checking out the Bluebird box in my yard. Two females and a male. I have never seen them this early here. Usually they arrive in March.
I am just to the south of McCroskey State Park in N. Latah county.
