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Red Crossbill, male

Started by hahn23, Mar 10 2010 04:48 PM

8 replies to this topic

#1 hahn23

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Posted 10 March 2010 - 04:48 PM

One of my favorite birds in RMNP. I don't see these flocks of Crossbills very often. Sightings are rare and unpredictable. All of a sudden, you'll see the birds, but never in the same place.

This is the male Red Crossbill, Loxia curvirostra. He was part of a flock of about 25. They are very shy. The specialized beak is remarkably efficient at extracting conifer seeds. The tree is a Ponderosa Pine.

Posted Image

Canon 5D: Canon EF 400mm f/5.6L USM: f/5.6, 1/500s, ISO 400

#2 rcw

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Posted 10 March 2010 - 05:29 PM

Beautiful bird. Great picture. Thank you for sharing.

#3 Larry

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Posted 10 March 2010 - 05:47 PM

I've never seen the male before. Saw a female once at Timbercreek. Beautiful bird in a perfect setting.
Thanks for posting.

Larry

#4 DeeCeeM

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Posted 10 March 2010 - 06:09 PM

What a remarkable photo!

#5 Allie

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Posted 10 March 2010 - 08:07 PM

They are such cool birds. I look forward to your summer bird pictures (hint, hint)

Allie

#6 mistylady

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Posted 10 March 2010 - 08:09 PM

He is gorgeous! And the close-up of the crossed bill is amazing. Thanks for sharing.

#7 mwilson

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Posted 10 March 2010 - 10:37 PM

Another beautiful bird and photo, Richard.

#8 Melanie

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Posted 11 March 2010 - 09:30 AM

View PostDeeCeeM, on 10 March 2010 - 06:09 PM, said:

What a remarkable photo!


Totally agree!

Melanie<><

#9 John

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Posted 11 March 2010 - 09:34 AM

A bird orthodontist could fix that overbite. :jester:
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