13/06/2026
Today I’m very happy to share species number 188 on my Greek birding list, a bird that has long been one of my most sought-after targets due to its limited range in Greece.
I proudly present the Red crossbill (Loxia curvirostra), photographed in the magnificent Elatia Forest during my sixth visit to this unique and beautiful ecosystem.
What makes this sighting even more special is how unexpected it was. While my brother and I were photographing martins at a small roadside waterhole, he suddenly asked, “What’s that red bird drinking water over there?”👀
To our amazement, it was a Red crossbill!
📸We were incredibly lucky to watch and photograph this remarkable species at such close range. Although the angle wasn’t perfect, we managed to capture a few clear shots that highlight the bird’s most distinctive feature, its extraordinary crossed bill. This unique adaptation allows it to pry seeds from conifer cones🌲🌰, a specialized feeding technique that inspired both its common and scientific name.
🙏Encounters like this are a reminder of why I keep returning to places like Elatia. Sometimes, after many trips and countless hours in the field, nature rewards patience with a truly unforgettable moment.
