First Brambling report of the year

02 February 2022 - Amongst a small group of Chaffinch feeding on the ground under the bird feeders, Andy M spotted a Brambling.  This finch species is a winter visitor to this area, travelling across from northern Europe, particularly when weather or food becomes difficult there.

Andy managed to take a few (somewhat fuzzy) photos of this female Brambling - which has lacks the dark head of the male, but is otherwise similar.

Female Brambling

Female Brambling

Male Chaffinch (left) and female Brambling, showing the

distinctive differences in plumage.

Blackbird, Brambling and Chaffinch

Brambling and Blackbird