There are loads of Crossbills in town at the moment, these shots are all from yesterday..............
There must have been a couple of hundred of them in one large loose flock feeding in the conifers along the local river. Sometimes they swooped down to the road to drink..................
Or they were scavenging pinecones on the floor...............
If there were no puddles then snow would have to do..............
Usually crossbills are up in the tress but the trees alongside the river are not high at all..................
It was a little dark so I was on ISO800 most of the time and I was using the 100-400 so most of the time I was at f8.
The last big crossbill invasion was 5 years ago and in March 2009 they were abundant in Hakodate.
Today saw heavy snow so I couldn't get back to this place, hopefully I can at the weekend...........
On the river were 7 species of duck including 10 or so Goosander, Pochard and 4 Goldeneye. Also around were Bohemian Waxwing, Hawfinch, Brambling and quite a few Redpoll too.............
Actually 5 years ago I went to east Hokkaido in late February and came back to Hakodate to find lots of Crossbills.................
They are beautiful, both birds and photos. We saw a small flock in the snow in Yellowstone but they colours just weren't like these.
ReplyDeleteThanks, in a way I like crossbills just as much was eagles........................maybe even a little more.
DeleteOh I am SO jealous. I can see why these are your favourite bird. Incidentally, I was using ISO 800 in the sunshine at Marshside! Mind you, I'm usually at f/10. I envy you on both counts!
ReplyDeleteF10! I tend to use the 100-400 at f8 because it isn't sharp wide open and also for the DOF. I only use above f8 for video and extreme close ups..........
DeleteReally great series of Xbills - plumage details/variation are superb. Your Redpoll is very grey - is it flammea (I would call it a Mealy Redpoll)?
ReplyDeleteThanks Stuart, yes it is that subspecies over here I believe...............
DeleteGreat set of shots - I have only ever seen crossbills near the top of trees!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Ah the secret is to find small trees......................
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