A quick drive out to Hundred Acres after reports of Crossbills in previous days. It was a fine, still, blue day but barely above freezing, with a handful of roadside Red-legged Partidges and an even closer Buzzard on roadkill enlivening the drive out.
It didn't take long to hear Crossbills in little groups of 1-5 and were initially given away by the sound of cones being eaten. Sadly, only one female perched up and after half an hour they went silent. A few Siskin and Lesser Redpolls also flew over and Nuthatches and Great Spotted Woodpeckers were particularly vocal.
The mobile cafe in the carpark served a nice coffee and lemon muffin which I consumed at a picnic table whilst 'swapping notes' with a fellow Crossbill enthusiast!!
With Storm Isha on the way over the weekend Wednesday may be the first opportunity for a second visit.
It was surprising to see from notes that the last time at this site for the same species was eight years ago!! Where did the time go.
