It has been a few years since we've noticed crossbills at our place, but they moved into our woods a few weeks ago, and I finally got a chance to get some photos today. These birds are pretty restless and don't offer much opportunity to get very close, so this shot isn't the best, but at least it shows off that wonderfully created beak. Evidently God knew that this particular design would afford these little birds a great advantage to extract seeds from pine cones, which is apparently their food of choice. One source I read tells me one of these birds can consume up to 3000 conifer seeds a day, storing them in a special compartment in their throat until they are hungry. Sounds to me like they have a built in pantry!
Trying to get the image sized larger, hope this works...
[attachimg=1]
That's the way to do it, Ken.
Great shot of the crossbill. I had wondered about the particular configuration of the bill and appreciate your explanation. The Lord leaves nothing to chance! :)
Quote from: BigSkyKen on January 07, 2012, 06:15:28 PM
Trying to get the image sized larger, hope this works...
Ken, you did a perfect job! I have never seen a crossbill up close and have learned something new about God's wonderful creation, today!!
Thanks ladies! I remain always in awe of God's creativity!
Wow! God's handiwork is constantly to be admired and appreciated.
I think possibly we need to remember about ourselves that, to quote a friend, "God don't make no junk! And, God don't have no grandchildren, either."
Ruth Ann
Amen, Ruth Ann!
:)Thanks Ken.
great shot of intriguing bird. As a bird photographer have you come across Arthur Morris' blogs and websites and the fact they are running a bird photography competition this year that closes in march.I have never entered a photo comp except on this website. I might have a go at this one.Yes God's creation is amazing.These birds have a perfect bill for the job. regards
Geoff T Adelaide Australia.
Thanks Geoff. I have referred to Arthur's blog and his Birds as Art site often. When I started taking bird photography seriously, I posted a few shots on their critique forum, and soon realized that my skin wasn't thick enough to accept what I was asking for...a humility issue that I continue to deal with! Best wishes on your contest entry, if you decide to do it.
By the way, I wandered over to your blog this morning, and really like the wonderful variety of photos, topics and Christian messages you have posted. Need to return and dig in a little deeper when I have more time.
Thanks for your comments Ken.It is hard to cop criticism of your photos when you don't agree with it. Probably why I have never been able to string together attendances at local camera club on a regular basis.Yes I have read some of the critiques you are talking about on Birds as Art( not yours) and I wonder where some people come from. My wife is my best critic not because she is necessarily good at it but she is not worried about hurting my feelings.She helps me on weddings and constantly argues that her shots are better than mine and a few of them are sometimes although she knows pretty much nothing about how cameras work.
I guess it all boils down to personal preference on many occasions. regards
Geoff T
Beautiful.. All the comments above express my reaction too!
Geoff, if you photograph weddings, you have my utmost respect! I can't think of too many things I wouldn't want to photograph, but weddings definitely top the list. If my photos don't come out well, I just delete them and I am the only person disappointed. But I imagine the wrath of a bride who is not pleased with her pictures of the "big day" could be quite ugly!
Thanks Judy!
Hi Ken ,just spotted your post to my last reply. Yes I know many very professional photographers who have shied away from Weddings but I have never had a a complaint in 37 years of doing them.I do take a lot of precautions though and plan the shoot very thoroughly. If you know of any apsiring wedding photographers or there are others on this group who want to try weddings or have just started I have posted lots of training articles on my blog about wedding photography.About 25 or more posts I think.I am glad to field questions and critique work from others.I had a nice afternoon walk today on a walk that my wife and I call "the hill".I wasn't there at the optimum time for birds or bird photography but spotted some Adelaide Rosellas, Galahs, Magpies,and heard other species without seeing them.I opted to go on the walk rather than the gym as it's much more interesting and just as strenuous.Have a great week and ditto to others on the forum who may read this. Geoff t
It's great to be able to listen to chatter between two great photographers! :)
Yes Ruth Ann....Isn't it great!
Geoff, your post is really timely, as a colleague of mine asked me last week if I could give him some advice for shooting a small wedding! (Are brides with small weddings easier to please than brides with big weddings? :no: ) I will gladly refer him to your blog, as I have no expertise in this area. Thanks! And I am with you on preferring a strenuous walk in nature to a gym workout, any day.