Letter: Windswept visitors?

Sir: While walking on Sunday in our border hills near here with some friends, we were delighted to see a small flock (three pairs) of Pine Grosbeaks. They were unafraid and posed in nearby pine trees for several moments. My third edition Field Guide to the Birds of Britain and Europe states that they are 'accidental' visitors, seldom seen in the British Isles.

Are the present inclement northerly winds responsible? The sight of these colourful birds made us glad we had braved the cold.

Yours sincerely,

JEAN THOMAS

Bucknell, Shropshire

1 March