Bird lovers in a flutter in Wirral

RARE birds have been causing a flutter in Merseyside after they were spotted high in the pine trees of Wirral.

A pair of Crossbill Finches, with their distinct bills that cross at the end, have been spotted in Ness Botanic Gardens.

The discovery was made last week during an early morning RSPB walk when twitchers recognised their unusual call.

They were surprised to find them high in the pine trees that cover a section of the garden.

Populations of the finches are normally found in established breeding areas in the Scottish Highlands, the New Forest and the Forest of Dean.

Distinguishable by their brick-red and green-brown colours, the birds are rarely seen in Merseyside or Cheshire, and have attracted huge interest.

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