Did not have my camera, so no photographs, but eventually found the Common on Monday morning (sat nav did not take us to the right place on Sunday afternoon....) and saw on top of a gorse bush a bird with a vivied yellow beak and yellow breast. Maybe the light caused the beak colour from the breat. I can't find a bird - about the size of coal it, maybe a bit bigger - with a yellow beak. Possibly it was a yellowhammer, but the head was not as yellow as most pictures show them; definite yellow hind neck stripe, or possibly nape. Any other suggestions? Second bird, based on location, probably a linnet rather than a redpoll. The frustrated beginner needs help; also needs to take his camera! Thanks, Paul.
Hello Paul!
Have no idea I'm afraid but bumping this up so someone else may be able to help!
Thanks!
Hi Paul
Could well be a yellowhammer sitting on the gorse, from where they will regularly sing. Another possibility is a male siskin which has a vivid greenish-yellow breast and band behind the ear coverts, or possibly a juvenile great tit which has a cream or yellowish coloured nape and breast, although this would not be as vivid, they often feed in family groups amongst the gorse at this time of year. Hope this helps. John Tayton. Assistant warden. Aylesbeare Common.
Saw a pair of birds exactly as you described on closer inspection & patience with bino's they were found to be Siskin !