Hopefully these birds will hang around and next time come a bit closer if there is no disturbance from the plantation. Always thought that Crossbills chomped on the cones whilst fixed to the tree but watched them yesterday and as DJS commented, they rag the cone off then carry it to the top of the tree to dig in to it. The problem is the sun brings the birds out but also the crowds, its being selfish I know but the best birds at Ogden were in the days when it was permit only and even further back when you had to snook over the wall without the warden seeing you.
A beautiful spring like day today but still with a cool breeze showing clear blue skies though nothing moving in them. Was working out in the car park a while this p.m. so got chance to keep an eye out expecting a raptor of some sort but it never happened.
BS