First heard ("jip-jip-jip" calls) and then saw a smallish (c. 7 individuals)
flock of Red Crossbills (type uncertain) about 1215 CST flying over my yard
just outside the city limits of Cookeville in Putnam County, TN. Was able to
view them only about 10 seconds but saw the notched tails of several birds
while they flew off, calling frequently (heard them distinctly 4-5 or more
times); they were about the size of Purple Finches or waxwings and flew in a
tightish flock in the manner of waxwings; by the time I fully realized what
they were, they were out of sight and out of earshot, heading west.
Red Crossbills were reported on the 1957 Cookeville CBC without much
documentation; otherwise I know of no other records for the county.
SJS
Stephen J. Stedman, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus
Tennessee Technological University
2675 Lakeland Dr.
Cookeville, TN 38506
931-528-3820
www.birdsandbutterfliesoftheuppercumberlandregion.com
