The return of the cold weather has increased my redpoll numbers today! I've always had a good sized flock but today I counted 70+! I had to take the photos so I could count them - there was a real frenzy on the lawn. I have three feeders up and they were full, and the black on the lawn is all the spilt nyger seed. I leave it there because all the redpolls that don't fit on the feeders, feed off the lawn.
The blackbirds were a bit of a pain mind - jealous of them having so much to eat I think - they kept dive bombing them and sending them all flying!
So - this is what my lawn looked like at lunchtime! Not the best photos but gives an idea of numbers - these are just the overspill from the feeders!
See my Flickr photos here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115745582@N04/
Blimey Christine 70+ redpolls,now I know why there are none around here.
Des
Christine - the only reason your friend knows where her redpoll come from is through ringing: it is the only reason we know (as opposed to guess) about bird migration routes. I am off to ring a flock of siskin that I have been feeding up all winter tomorrow morning and hope they might turn up in my friend's garden in Norway next summer. Satellite tagging will give better information in the future but for the last 100 years it is the only way to do it.
Simon Tucker
Christine - I've never seen so many in my life lol :) Brilliant photos, I'm really happy for you that you have such lovely visitors :)