was watching a group (8) of birds this evening, high up in the pine trees, bigger than a Greenfinch, smaller than a Starling. Definite strong looking hooky bill (couldn't make out cross at end) Looking at the bird book, Juvenile Crossbills fit well, but would this be too early ?
Hi Cyclist, no, apparently these birds can breed during winter months as well so it is possible to see juveniles at this time of year HERE's a link via Scottish Wildlife Trust and another LINK HERE from Yorkshire Coast Nature.
I did see two juveniles in my last garden (23rd June 2018) which had a pond and these birds need to drink regularly after eating the conifer/pine seeds. Here's a couple of record shot photos of the two I saw briefly. Juveniles have quite streaky breasts like these.
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Regards, Hazel
Finally manged to get a few shots of them, difficult bird to get a good luck at as they like to stay high in the trees, but with a bit of patience waiting by a small frog pond, down they came.