Hi,
A flock of this bird appeared in the trees behind our house today. I haven't seen these here before and I suspect it's a common redpoll but wouldn't expect these so far inland as Reading?
Any help appreciated.. Thanks
Mark
Learning more and more as the weeks go by
Hi mj_blue
I live near Reading and there was a lesser redpoll on my nyger seed feeder only yesterday so it's perfectly possible. Was this what you saw?
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Tony
My Flickr Photostream
I think it's a Lesser, not a Mealy.
When thou seest an eagle, thou seest a portion of genius; lift up thy head!
Hi again
When I posted my initial reply your photo had not appeared which is why I attached my own photos.
I should also have said the redpoll species has been split into two : the lesser redpoll (Carduelis cabaret) which is the one which is resident in Britain and the mealy redpoll (Carduelis flammea) sometimes known as the common redpoll which does not breed in Britain but can appear in winter on passage. The old field guides don't show this split. Confusing isn't it.
For more inf olook at this link
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/l/lesserredpoll/index.aspx
The birds you saw are lesser redpolls. Well done for spotting them.
TJ
Thanks for the updates guys.. yep these look the same so lesser redpoll it is.. There were about 20 of these flying together, a first time I've seen these. A wonderful up close spot of a kingfisher yesterday and this today. been a good weekend :)
Mine from April last year:
A closed mouth gathers no foot.
Hi Mark and welcome to the forum.
Great photos everyone.
The necessity of bird-watching is a really good reason for avoiding all forms of housework.
The dust will still be there tomorrow - the birds may not be!