Cone seed eaters

The crop of pine cones in our hedge is still producing enough seed to remain attractive to birds. Regularly two, but sometimes up to eight, Parrot Crossbills Loxia pytopsittacus (N=furukorsnebb), a male Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major (N=flaggspett) and at least one Coal Tit Parus ater (N=svartmeis) appear daily. The woodpecker is extremely aggressive towards the Parrot Crossbills, so much so that I am amazed they manage to gain enough sustenance and seem to spend more time flying around being chased by the 'pecker. There are still hundreds of cones on the trees in varying stages of ripening, so I hope that these lovely birds stay around in the coming weeks.

Male Parrot Crossbill

Female Parrot Crossbill

Male Great Spotted Woodpecker

Coal Tit