Yet more Crossbills

Had another walk to the Reserve this afternoon.  A flock of 21 Crossbills flew into the Scots Pines in the centre of the dry heath.

I spent a very pleasant hour this morning watching at least 13 Common Crossbills of bothe sexes feeding in the Scots Pines immediately to the right of the memorial cairn at Linwood Warren.  They were present for at least forty minutes.  I noticed on two occasions one removing a cone completely and going to a nearby substantial branch and holding the cone in its feet whilst removing the individual seeds.  I had the pleasure to point them out to two pairs of visitors who had never seen them before.  Since ringing one at Occupation Lane last November I have seen small flocks in the Willingham Forest ever since.  This is the longest period I've seen them in the area but have not heard a male singing - I can only assume the majority are non-breeding birds.  Any observations/comments welcome.  All other species entered on Birdtrack.