A First Ever for Me!

This White Winged Crossbill is a lifetime first for me!

 I had to look them up and found that the cross bill can be right or left handed and is ideal for getting at the seeds in pine or spruce cones.

 The female was a kind of lime green version, but still had the double white wing bands.

 I caught these two picking gravel and salt from one of the back roads.

 Apparently they are year round and common to our area. First I've seen in 12 years in Alberta! A great day! They are a member of the Finch family.