There are still quite a few birders arriving and asking about the four crossbills that have been around occasionally since the new year. It's very difficult to pin them down to give specific advice on where to see them; sometimes they aren't seen all day, and when they are seen, it's usually for a short period of time. I've seen them twice, and both times in the clear fell area behind the overflow car park. Other sightings have come from the trees next to the clock tower at HQ and the pines at the hillfort, while two very lucky birders watched them drinking at the hide pools - although these are currently frozen over.

So there's no promise you'll see them like Rob Gilmore, who sent me these fantastic images of our birds!

Other birds seen here yesterday were woodcock, raven, goldcrest, redwing and a couple of soaring buzzards.

So hope you have good luck if you come to search for the crossbills.