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Red Crossbill (20)
hibou
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 216 W: 1 N: 329]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-g.gif) (1617) | Red Crossbill - Loxia curvirostra
The crossed mandibles of the bill of these unusual birds are specialized for opening pine cones. Holding the cone with one foot, the bird inserts its closed bill between the cone and the scales, pries the scales apart by opening its bill, and extracts the seed with its flexible tongue. Because of its dependence on pine seeds, the Red Crossbill is an erratic and nomadic species appearing in large numbers, then not appearing for several years. When the cone supply fails, these birds gather in flocks and may wander far from their normal haunts. They may breed almost anywhere, and, because their chosen food is available in winter, they commonly begin nesting as early as January, but have been found nesting in every month of the year.
description 5 1/4-6 1/2" (13-17 cm). Sparrow-sized. Mandibles crossed at tips. Male dusky brick red. Female gray tinged with dull green, brightest on rump. |
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| Altered Image #1
hibou
(1617)
Sharpening, brightness, saturation.
Edited by:peter_stoeckl
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1629 W: 287 N: 3646]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (10219) |
Some sharpening and a slight increase in brightness, contrast, and saturation might bring that very well captured crossbill a bit "closer".
Photoshop Elements.
1. Sharpening filter on whole image excluding border.
2. Noise removal selectively on blue sky - selection my magic wand tool (tolerance 5%)
3. Brightness + 6, Contrast + 3.
4. Saturation + 6.
Hope you enjoy. |
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