Saturday 31 December 2011

WENDOVER FOREST CROSSBILLS



NEW YEARS EVE (31 DECEMBER 2011)

2011 went out on a very mild note - in fact, temperatures were as high as 13 degrees C - so like Christmas 2011, one of the mildest festive periods in history. It was very windy too, with a little light rain in the wind. Predominantly overcast, apart from a few bright periods.

WENDOVER FOREST (BUCKS)

The cone crop at Wendover is fabulous at the moment and consequently, a large flock of COMMON CROSSBILLS has moved in to take advantage. This afternoon, no less than 26 birds were present in the vicinity of the turning area (the former butterfly Buddleigh bush site), including at least 12 resplendent adult males (see map above for access instructions). Although silent for long periods of time, every now and again the entire flock would take flight and wheel around loudly 'jipping'..

Nothing much else to see in the woods, particularly busy with walkers - just 3 Goldcrests and a few Coal Tits

Happy New Year


Lee Evans

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