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Anthony Zerafa
Calgary, AB, Canada
Large flocks of crossbills were present in Calgary during my visit in December 2015, and they travelled from tree to tree in search of conifer seeds. Although they spent much of their time in the tops of the trees where the conifer cones were located, they eventually descended to forage on the cones they had dropped. At one point, a few of them even landed on the ground to take a bath in the deep snow. I saw mostly White-winged Crossbills, but in one tree I found a mixed group containing a few Red Crossbills.
Week 13: Finches & Friends
Category: Week 13: Finches & Friends
A male White-winged Crossbill demonstrates how his curved, specialized bill is used to extract seeds from conifer cones.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful bird in such a beautiful setting!
Thank you!
I am so happy to see this photo. I have never seen a Crossbill but have read about this species.
So interesting to see its bill up close and in operation mode.
And from your description – I know now that there are at least two different species.
Thanks for submitting your photo!
Thank you! The White-winged Crossbill was an exciting lifer for me on that day!
Amazing image! The setting really shows off the uniqueness of Crossbills they are usually found, and their favorite seeds, pine cones. I’ve never seen a Crossbill, but this image really makes me want to see one!
Thank you! It was very exciting to see close-up how they use their curved bills to forage!
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