White-winged Crossbill

To capture the White-winged Crossbill on camera, placement is everything. Because these birds spend most of their time high in the canopy of spruce or larch trees, a ground-level camera is best positioned near a consistent water source. They are frequent drinkers, especially in winter when their seed-heavy diet requires significant hydration. A heated bird bath or a small opening in a frozen creek is a magnet for nomadic flocks. Position your camera about 2-3 feet from the water at a slight downward angle to capture the reflection and the intricate detail of their crossed mandibles.

While they don't typically visit standard bird feeders for sunflower seeds, you can lure them with 'grit' or salt. In many northern regions, crossbills are known to congregate on snowy roadsides to ingest road salt and small pebbles which help them digest tough seeds. Providing a safe, elevated platform with a mix of coarse sand and a tiny amount of mineral salt can sometimes attract a flock for a close-up. If you have ornamental conifers like hemlock or spruce in your yard, consider mounting a camera on a nearby pole at a height of 6-8 feet, directed at the cone-laden branches.

Because these birds are often fast-moving and social, use a camera with a fast trigger speed and a multi-shot 'burst' mode. You will often capture one bird landing, followed by five more seconds later. Since they are active during the day, standard daylight settings work well, but ensure your shutter speed is high (if adjustable) to freeze the motion of their fluttering wings as they hang upside down. Winter is the peak season for sightings in the lower 48 states and southern Canada, so ensure your batteries are rated for cold weather.