As any birder in the US knows, the summer months are the doldrums of birding. We have hummingbirds and some year-round residents, but many birds are farther north during the summer breeding season. Capulin Springs in the Sandia Mountains is a place that is almost always a good place to see a variety of birds in the summer. The reason is water. At Capulin Springs the spring water has been directed through a hollowed-out log to create a lovely oasis for bird drinking and bathing.
The setting is really lovely.
The magic birding log at Capulin Springs.
Birders in the Albuquerque area have been excited to see the unusual numbers of Red Crossbills in the Sandias this summer. They flocked to the water in the hollowed-out log.
Red Crossbills flock to the water.
The Crossbills were in many different plumage phases. This male was really pretty.
Male Red Crossbill.
A few people reported that they had seen White-winged Crossbills among the Red Crossbills. I believe that this is a female White-winged Crossbill. Note the white wing stripe.
Female White-winged Crossbill.
Farther up the mountain we saw a group of crossbills around a puddle at the edge of a parking lot.
Red Crossbills enjoying a rain puddle.
We had a lovely time watching the birds, chatting with other birders and taking photos. Here are a few of the photos that I took:
Here is a video of crossbills and other birds enjoying the water at Capulin Springs:
It has been an unusual treat for New Mexico birders to see so many crossbills at one time. We are hoping that they will stay in the Sandias for awhile.
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Photo Feathers 
So nice to see a Linda post! Beautiful in-flight shots.. and I love the video..Especially the “not-cross” bill visitors 🙂 A lovely touch of NM nature for my morning!
Thank you so much Cindy. I’ve really been lagging on doing blog posts. Happy you like the photos and the video. It’ really is a lovely place to see birds!
Wow – how cool to see so many together, Linda. We don’t see them much unless we’re at our place way up north – thanks for sharing!
Thanks Tami. I’m happy you enjoyed the post. There really are a great variety of birds at that spring.
Nice to read another post from you. You were missed. Great collection of photos, too.
Thank you Bob. I’ve been overwhelmed at work. I’m still getting out to take photos, but I haven’t done much blogging and commenting lately. I’m hoping that things will ease up soon.
Lovin’ that “wing” action!! What gorgeous birds!!!
Thank you Kerri. It was a real treat to see those beauties! I may sneak back up there this weekend to see if they’re still there.
Very nice series Linda! Beautiful images, beautiful post 🙂
Thank you Cynthia. I’m happy that you enjoyed the post!
The crossbills are beautiful Linda, having so many at once must have been wonderful! You really had fun with the flight shots!… they are awesome! Really enjoyed your video too, the spring sure is a hotspot! The flickr bathing was beautiful too 🙂 nice work!
Thank you Debbie. It’s a beautiful place too see different species of birds!
Linda, how marvelous it must be to see so many Crossbills in one location! And close enough to get lovely images of them too! What a beautiful location.
It really was wonderful Mia! Wish you could have been there. I can only imagine that lovely photos that you would have taken. . .
So many crossbills! I love the video and everything in it especially the chipmunk!
Thank you so much for you kind comments. I love the chipmunk too! 🙂
Gee, what a great place. Terrific photos, Linda. I like the video too (and the Flicker bathing at the end).
Thank you Scott. It’s really a wonderful place for photos and videos!
I LOVe to watch! ha ha Bathing birds that is! Very cool video, Crossbills, Woodpecker and Flickers..guess they dont care who shares the bath. 🙂
Thank you so much, Lovely Dawn. The birdies were very happy to have a place to drink and bathe during the warm weather.