Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Let me know when that tide's coming in won't you

Saturday 28 March 2020

Crossbill

A week or so prior to the lockdown I took a drive out to a site I know in Macclesfield Forest, to look for some Crossbills, Siskins and Lesser Redpoll. I'd tried a couple of weeks earlier but with no luck, so was crossing my fingers.
It was classic weather conditions for this area at this time of year. Icy cold, with cloud rolling in like a fog, only to clear just as quickly as it had arrived.
I wandered around the usual areas and had Siskins overhead frequently. Lots of Chaffinch and Goldfinch and then two larger birds appeared and landed high up in one of the conifers. A pair of Crossbill. A female and a very good looking male.

They never really settled and moved off again, but knowing they were around was good. So, I bided my time and employed the age old birdwatchers tool of fieldcraft. Staying in a position so as not to spook the birds and allowing them to go about their business without noticing me. It worked and they came back to a tree not far from me. 😀

Lots of excuses of poor light, fences and branches in the way etc, but it's always such a joy to see these birds whatever the conditions. I could see them very well with my binoculars.
The male in very good condition.




The female, hanging upside down.



9 comments:

  1. I love the red against the green. Stay well!

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  2. Hello. They are awesome birds. Have a nice sunday. Take care.

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  3. Hello, Great sighting of the Crossbills. They are beautiful birds! Great photos! Take care and stay well. Thank you so much for linking up and sharing your critter post. Enjoy your day, have a great new week!

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  4. Love your images...the composition with the contrasting color of moss and birds makes them all terrific Adam!

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  5. Lovely little fellas. I've never seen them. Great shots!
    Thanks for sharing this week at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2020/03/from-archives.html, and stay healthy!

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  6. One time up at the cabin I saw several Crossbills in the trees on the top of the cliffs over our float cabin. I think we get some birds that stop by for a rest while migrating and if you are in the right place at the right time you get to see some unusual ones. - Margy

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  7. Wonderful birds and landcape photos. I love their bird life!
    Greetings Elke

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  8. Such delightful photos!

    Happy Tuesday!

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