This was shot high in the hills above Aviemore Scotland. It seemed bigger than one I've seen before, it was part of a group of maybe six. Making more noise than I've heard, quite deep sounding and when I went under the tree to try and get a better shot they appeared to throw pine cones at me. there where reds also but this was my best shot before they flew off. Crossbill, Scotish/ parrot?
For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.
Wow! Nice one Highland McHale! I've yet to see these in the UK (have seen some in France many moons ago but didn't have a camera at the time!)
Looking at images on Google, the beak on yours looks too 'thin' for a parrot crossbill! But I'll let someone who knows better confirm more definitively!
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Afraid I can't help either but I had to comment as it is such a wonderful photo.
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Thanks Squirrel, Its was a great moment next time maybe a red one to make the pair!
Squirrel B said: Afraid I can't help either but I had to comment as it is such a wonderful photo.
Rockwolf said: Wow! Nice one Highland McHale! I've yet to see these in the UK (have seen some in France many moons ago but didn't have a camera at the time!) Looking at images on Google, the beak on yours looks too 'thin' for a parrot crossbill! But I'll let someone who knows better confirm more definitively!
Thanks MarJus all help welcomed
Unknown said: This was shot high in the hills above Aviemore Scotland. It seemed bigger than one I've seen before, it was part of a group of maybe six. Making more noise than I've heard, quite deep sounding and when I went under the tree to try and get a better shot they appeared to throw pine cones at me. there where reds also but this was my best shot before they flew off. Crossbill, Scotish/ parrot?
Nice photograph .... this one maybe does show a suggestion of the cheek bulges that are indicative of the Scottish Crossbill, and the location is right (as it is for the others too) .... but I'm afraid I couldn't be too sure from this one shot.
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Thanks, Valleyforge these are the next best two shots if any help. I am leaning towards Scotish crossbill.
Hello Highland McHale..can't help you with identification of bird but I laughed at the idea they were throwing pine cones at you. Maybe they were.LOL
"Birds of a Feather".... ~( :o )
Still couldn't be sure enough to positively ID it as a Scottish Crossbill ... from these pair of photos though, it's more obviously a juvenile (being more heavily/extensively streaked than a female).
That's definitely Scots Pine its been feeding in though, which is the preferred food station of that (sub)species ... so adds a little more to the circumstantial evidence maybe. :-)
Hi,
I too would be wary about saying yes it's a Scottish Crossbill or no it's not, but just because you have seen a crosbill in scotland does not guarantee it is the Scottish. They prefare the caledonian pine forests ie Abernethy and Rothiemurchus. The falling cones however is associated with the Common crossbill.
I do agree with Valley forge that it is almost certainally juvenile.
Graham
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Hello.
Don't know enough about crossbills to say whether the bird is a Scottish Crossbill or Common Crossbill. Although I have to say those are some brilliant photographs.
Paul
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