I was able to slip out a couple of times today to the small park near my apartment. Crossbills were here too............the 4th location in Hakodate I've photographed them in this year.
It was mild today and the snow is receding leaving muddy grass covered with pinecones. And litter as well actually.
The crossbills were pillaging the pinecones on the ground................thry must have eaten all the ones in the trees I guess.
They were a bit wary and generally took the pinecones back up to the tree to eat............
The last time I can remember such an influx of Crossbill was in 2009. I've seen then most years before and since but they really are everywhere this year.................
A lot of males have yellowish throats. Are these 2nd year birds?
Also around were Redpoll and Hawfinch................
Can't believe I am really hoping for Man U to win tonight. Can't recall the last time, if indeed there has ever been a time.
Linked to Wild Bird Wednesday.
Oh dear!!
ReplyDelete"They are everywhere" !!!!
What would I give just to see one let alone to take a picture!! LOL!
Such a great series! This yellow band around the neck is gorgeous and enhances beautifully this bright orange color!
"After reading the Asterix books as a kid I always wanted to eat roast boar........."
So you read our national Asterix when you were a kid!! Yes, that's a great cartoon! LOL!
keep well and keep me dreaming! :-)
Thanks for the comment Noushka, my favorite Asterix book was "Asterix in Corsica"...............after that I always wanted to visit Corsica...................one day I will.
DeleteBut they're nowhere to be seen when I was in Japan and Germany.... Great photos as usual!
ReplyDeleteHi Ayuwat, until I came to Japan I'd only ever seen Crosbills once..................and that was 30 years ago!
DeleteBeautiful bright little birds!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Karen...............
Deletehow very beautiful! they have the colors of ripening fruit!
ReplyDeleteNever thought of it like that but I supoose you're right!
DeleteThat crossed bill is such an interesting adaptation. Wonderful photos and record of their feeding behavior.
ReplyDeleteHi Kenneth, yes they're pretty unique that way.........
DeleteThose beaks just look so powerful. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteA pet Crossbill would make a great organic set of tweezers.
DeleteAwesome photos of these beautiful birds!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Gunilla.
DeleteHI Well I wish they were here!! ALl great shots.
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret, yes they are quite difficult to see in the UK/Ireland..............
DeleteBeautiful shots of the Crossbills. They are cool birds!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment, they are my favourite small bird for sure.............
DeleteSend some down to us - it's a bit quiet here as it's rather dry and a lot of the shorebirds have left. More beautiful shots of the Crossbills.
ReplyDeleteI don't think they'll ever reach Australia but you have many more exotic birds to compensate..................
DeleteBeautiful birds and great behavioural shots. Like their colours with the green too.
ReplyDeleteThanks Russell, I agree the red on green looks the part................
DeleteThey are beautiful birds. Great series of shots!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment Roan..........
DeleteSuch colorful little birds, beautifully photographed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the comment..................
DeleteIf birds like this were "everywhere" I'd never be indoors.
ReplyDeleteFootball? When you have crossbill? Surely not!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Hi Stewart, sorry but I hae to confess I'd swap all the Crossbills in Hokkaido for a Liverpool Premier League title....................
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