No such thing as Just a Linnet!

A quick count the other day suggested that we may have over 20 territories of Linnet on the reserve. Most are around the edges where there are nice big bramble clumps and scrubby bits in which to make their nest but I reckon that your best bet on the trails is as you come out of the woodland and into the more open area from the Woodland Feeding Station and the Ken Barrett hide.  The males are still contemplating a wardrobe switch but the song is as sweet as ever and explains the popularity in the past with the finch trappers who caught them in East London and our neck of the woods for the cagebird trade.

Bill Potter managed to record some footage of one singing the other day.

Just had another listen before posting and realised a thing or two.... there are two Linnets singing at the same time and amongst the various background noises are Bill receiving a text message, gun fire from the shooting club across the Thames in Dartford, the hum of the A13 and the constant crackle of damp electricty cables overhead.  However, Mr Linnet wins through!

22-4-12