Tuesday 26 November 2013

Crossbills

Hemsted Forest - 0900hrs -  cold, cloudy/sunny - Had a run out with MH this morning to look for crossbills in the forest. During a three hour stakeout we had upward of 20 Common Crossbill, some of which showed well through the `scope, but most were too distant for the camera. There was a wide range of plumages on offer with one or two stunning brick-red males, plus another with a stout, Parrot-type bill, but no sign of either Parrot or Two-barred Crossbills. Nonetheless, crossbills of whatever type are always well appreciated.
Also noted, a Raven being hassled by crows, plus 6 Redwing, 4 Fieldfare, Bullfinch, Goldcrest, Green and Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Coal and Long-tailed Tits, Jay and Siskin. 

                                Common Crossbill, Hemsted Forest

PS: News from Dungeness today concerned a Black Kite seen flying out to sea, while the Glossy Ibis was reported on the bird reserve.

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