Lesser Redpoll????

Three or four little birds arrived with 12 goldfinches this morning. They were sitting on the feeding station arms looking to see what there was. At first I thought "what scruffy goldfinches" but then I saw they were something else entirely. They had a red head, and the one I caught briefly in my binoculars DEFINITELY had the makings of a pinky/red chest. Unless I'm imagining it all, I think they had brown streaked tops.  Sadly, something disturbed them and every bird in the garden disappeared, so no photos I'm afraid. They were not chaffinches. They were with the goldies in a small flock.

I would appreciate any help with this, and if they come back I'll try for a photo. I have never seen them before.

Cheers, Linda.

See my photos on Flickr