Parrot Crossbills

 

Today was a third attempt to locate the Parrot Crossbills at Old Lodge in the Ashdown Forest, yesterday we had missed them by a matter of minutes because we left early in fairly miserable conditions. So, in perfect weather, we turned down a day at Dungeness for a chance to see what is a fairly scarce bird in Sussex. Halfway through the day I was beginning to think that we had made a mistake, all we had seen was a pair of Ravens arguing with a Buzzard. Plenty of birders were in attendance and as soon as the birds finally turned up word spread and everyone had excellent, though brief views of a flock of at least ten birds. We chased the birds, expecting them to be in the area that they frequent over on the north east side of the reserve, again a kind birder raised the alert and this time the birds hung around much longer, allowing great views and, for me, some mixed quality photography. However, I suspect that in the flight across the reserve the Parrots were joined by more than one Common Crossbill.

Crossbills are always difficult  as they more often than not remain high in the trees at a distance and what appear as good shots on the camera are invariably lower quality at home. Still a nice year and Sussex tick - we can always do Dunge next week.

Possible Common Crossbill??

 

And a usual suspect.....