I've been wanting to do another crossword puzzle. But not one
that is too simple, one that is a little hard. Equal parts hard to
simple, you know what I mean? Not a cryptic-type format, those
have been so done, and not a Regex-type crossword, also. I want to
do one that is different, but the same, yet demanding, and yet not.
"Is it even possible, at this stage?" I asked. Certainly!
Then I told myself, of course it is. I believe in constant hope.
Maybe I should shut up and just start at this point.

Directions:
Across:
4: {β,07} Force that moves a compass needle
5: {β,02} I'm a Capricorn, but my sister is a different line
7: {π«,01} HBO show that has same name as '70s movie
8: {β,04} The opposite of "Confederates" during US Civil War
10:{β,10} The Star that Doesn't Move
Down:
1: {π«,03} Really bright star that sometimes shows up at dawn?
2: {π«,05} The closest ocean if you live in Kinshasa, DRC
3: {β,08} Direct (a book, etc.) toward interests of a particular group
6: {β,09} The closest ocean if you live in Indianapolis, Indiana, US
7: {β,06} Thin crescent at dusk
9: {β,11} Sunday after full moon that's after the March equinox, usually
So the question (of course!) is:
What is my favorite kind of Bird?
Hint #1:
This puzzle has 5 distinct, significant elements:
1. Opening inane commentary (in code block form)
2. Graphic puzzle grid
3. Instruction
4. Clues for Across and Down
5. Puzzle Question
Hint #2:
Each of the Clue/Answer pairs is indicative of something. (See Instructions)
Hint #3:
The clues have been discovered, and the puzzle has been filled out correctly. What's left to discover is:
a) significance of numbers/symbols in clues,
b) significance of instruction, and
c) significance of the opening remarks.
Hint #4:
I've looked everywhere for another hint to give: I looked North, East, West... Maybe I should just give up at this point.