Coniferous Birding

I spent several hours birding the coniferous forest of Cross Inn in Ceredigion this week. What a great place this is. Easy access, just inland from the coast and gentle walks. Surprise on the first visit was 2 Great Grey Shrikes together in a clearfell - superb birds and heard in full song this morning. They even seemed to hunt together at one point with one bird watching from high and the other lower down. When then lower bird flew to the ground the other bird flew down and landed nearby on a smaller spruce. Willow Tits showed well and I even had the fortune of discovering a nest! Not many of those in Wales these days. Fantastic views of Crossbills with over 30 birds seen daily, some giving mind blowing views coming down to drink in puddles. Many juveniles amongst them too. Migrants were represented by Redstarts, Tree Pipits and many Blackcaps. Throw in Goshawk, Red Kites, Redpolls and Siskins the place was alive with birds. Well worth a visit if you're in the area.