Crossbills at Mayday Farm

18th January 2024

It's been over 30 years since I visited Mayday Farm when I used to come here to see the Goshawks, but this time I have been tempted back by the prospect of photographing some Crossbills. There used to be a man-made pond by one of the crossroads where Crossbills would come down to drink. However, now it is still there but buried under a substantial conifer.

Not that that matters as the birds know it is still there and during dry periods sources of drinking water at Mayday Farm are in short supply. So just a matter of settling down and waiting fo the birds to come. The birds tend to fly in and land at the top of the tree and when they feel it is safe they work their way down inside the tree to the water. That is except for the Siskins which arrive in flocks of 10-20 birds and pile straight into the inside of the tree.

First up was a pair of Redpolls which was a nice surprise. Not sure whether they had come in for a drink or were just enjoying the sunshine.

 

And then came the Crossbills with initially some beautiful green females. They too were enjoying the sun and would sit there for up to five minutes before eventually dropping down for a drink.

And then came the cracking males which were also very cautious in their approach.

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.