CROSSBILLS

While I was away, Brendan Sheils sent me these reports:

Had stunning views of a very large Common Crossbill flock feeding on Larch cones at Trawsgoed (on Sunday).

Estimate around 100+ birds together on roadside near Blackcovert wood giving amazing views.

Flock consisted of many males, females and some juveniles calling a lot.

I managed some shots of them through the canopy cover.See attached photos.

I was out looking for the Crossbills early this morning (Monday) at Trawsgoed and had this really exciting view of a very large white falcon seen been pursued by corvids over conifer plantation at Abermagwr on B4340. Bird was very large in size, much bigger than Peregrine.

We noticed on the brief minute view of the bird with it having a pure white underside and whiteish upperwings, which was very distinct! Rapid falcon flight low over teh tree canopy. Bird Flew inland 11am out of view over forest in North East direction towards Farm Wood Lodge Abermagwr. Many corvids got up from the trees as it flew across.

We have not relocated it since, so thought this would be of interest to keep a good eye out on. Any suggestions of what it may be?? I looked a Collins Bird guide and some internet sites and bird looks good for a Gyr/Albino Peregrine but could well be an escaped falconers bird which has not been ruled out. Unfortunately I have no shots, bird flew past so quick and out of view over the plantation.

Had a good search with friend up on the nearby hills but no luck.