Blackcap and Lesser Redpoll visit the feeders

25th January 2023 - whilst watching the usual Goldfinch and Greenfinch on the feeders today, Andy was thrilled to also spot both a male Blackcap and a Lesser Redpoll paying the feeders a visit. 

Blackcap are one of the few resident warblers to the UK, with good populations breeding here in the summer. During the winter, some UK breeding birds remain here, with others migrating south to overwinter in southern Europe. Similarly, some Blackcap that breed further east in Europe escape the cold winter there by migrating west to stay here during the winter, and it is often the colder weather that drives them into gardens to find food. 

A slim, grey brown bird with a thin bill, with the male having a characteristic black crown (or cap), which is rufous-brown in the female.

Male Blackcap

A (slightly damp) Goldfinch and male Blackcap (right)

Male Blackcap, fluffed up to keep warm.

The Lesser Redpoll, a small finch species, is also resident in the UK, breeding in birch and pine forest, often in the more mountainous areas to the north and west of the UK. Similarly to the Blackcap, during the winter the resident UK population of Lesser Redpoll is swollen by birds arriving from the north and east of Europe, particularly when their principle winter food, Alder seed, is in short supply there. 

Characteristically streaky in appearance, with a black face, red forehead (or poll) and small yellowish bill, with the male also having red on the upper breast.

Male Lesser Redpoll

Male Lesser Redpoll

Male Lesser Redpoll

Goldfinch with Lesser Redpoll partially visible behind