A lovely Lifer- the Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra)- male.
This species has always been in my wishlist, but to be honest, I had never expected to get it during my recent Lava trip. One fine morning, while going towards lower Rishyap, we found some finch-like birds perched high atop the towering conifers. I was excited as it was my first crossbill sighting. But the birds preferred to stay on the tall tress, feeding on the seeds that they extracted with their special crossed bills. We had to be satisfied with some distant shots. After having lunch, I thought of going once more to the same area, in search of the crossbills- although I was dying to have a short nap.
There were no signs of crossbills and not a single bird cud be seen even on the conifers. I walked along the trail and got few other small birds. Tits, Yuhinas and warblers were quite active. I kept my camera inside the bag and decided to return. On my way back to the hotel, I noticed a pair of reddish birds perch on the low branch of a roadside bush- just a few feet away from me.. To my utter surprise, I discovered that they were the much-awaited Red Crossbills. I had never imagined to get them so close. I took out the camera with trembling hands, and took as many shots as I could. But the birds were extremely shy and both of them flew away as a small group of tourists arrived near the spot.
Location: Lava outskirts.
Darjeeling district. West Bengal.
22nd October-2015
Canon 60D
regards
Shantanu.
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