I saw this bullfinch in our garden yesterday, feeding on sunflower hearts. It fed for a short while then kept flying into our thick laurel bushes and returning to feed again. It's the first time in nearly 20 years that I've seen one in the garden and I was wondering if they are a fairly common garden bird. Also, what is their normal food? We live near the edge of Durham city and there's woodland within a half mile or so.
Depends where, and time of year. One in late April is hopefully a sign of breeding locally. Bullfinches here coincide with trees coming into bud. Been a fairly quiet few months overall though, compared to previous years.
Moderately common in my garden in West Yorkshire. Most often located after hearing their quiet but distinctive call.