In a message dated 2/12/2009 8:07:04 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,  
 writes:

http://www.pbase.com/wcbirding/image/109116810



Mark's (excellent) photos also show something else that I have wondered  
about for years. Do crossbills bill always cross in the same direction. I know  we 
had this discussion about 11 years ago too. Well, Marks first 2 photos  
clearly show that the females (in his photo, not females in general I don't  think) 
bill crosses in the opposite direction than the second photo of the male.  
So, why? Unless he transposed some of the pictures...

Do ones whose bills cross one way feed differently from the others, ie;  
would it take seeds from cones in the opposite direction or side, and what if  any 
advantage would this make? Perhaps a small flock could take better advantage  
of a cone crop this way, by not missing as many seeds?
 
As always, more questions than answers...
 
Rick Sussman
Woodbine,MD
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