The Lodge. Sandy.

 Wednesday 5th March, took a stroll to the Hill Fort. Just a single Crossbill flew over and out of sight, but plenty of activity from the Ravens, Common Buzzard, and displaying Sparrowhawks. Also 2 Brimstones passed. 

Crossbill song

'Glip' Common Crossbill singing, The Lodge, 7th March 214

Crossbill

Crossbill, The Lodge, 15th April 2013 by Alan Reynolds

Common Crossbill

Common Crossbill, The Lodge, 27th March 2010.

Some interesting Crossbills

Lee Evans comments:

"These two female-type crossbills were seen very well at Jackdaw Hill, Lidlington, recently. My attention was drawn to them by their very low guttural sounds and melodic phrases - typical sounds most commonly made by Parrot Crossbills!

Both birds had a large head and evenly-thick mandibles, with no overlap/crossing of the bill tip. They were most likely Common Crossbills of the eastern form, breeding in European Russia.

Best wishes

Lee"

Many thanks to Robert Chapman for the accompanying images.

In praise of nyger feeders

Many have commented on the Beds Birds Newsgroup on the Lesser Redpolls and Siskins etc feeding at the Nyger feeders near the gate-house at the Lodge. They are quite approachable!

Both species are also frequent visitors to drink at the pool in front of the hide as are Crossbills. Unfortunately I only saw females of this species, having apparently missed a male by 10 minutes!

Crossbill at The Lodge

Photo by Roy Norris

This splendid male Crossbill was photographed from the hide at The Lodge

Crossbills at Sandy RSPB.