There are probably many of you erstwhile wildlife spotters out there who will be surprised at this but, at the 'getting on a bit' age of 42 I saw my first Brambling a couple of weeks ago!
I was so happy, as I had been wanting to see one for years. The irony of this is I didn't have to go traipsing over fields or through light woodland - sweaty under my winter layers but soaked on the outside by persistent rain, brandishing fogged over binoculars. Oh no. I was, in fact, just partaking of my second steaming mug of coffee and sitting at my computer, which I have had the common sense to position with a commanding view over my garden and the paraphernalia of bird-feeding aparatus I have strewn about. I had just restocked all the feeders and the bird table and I like to think that it was this rich banquet which drew my Brambling in. I looked out of the window as I constantly do. This usually proves to be fatal in terms of getting anything done. It has been known for me to take 4 hours to get through my emails, despite having only a few to respond to, because I become lost in the social dynamics of all the birds in my garden. Who bosses who, who thinks they can sneak in and whip a piece of food away - that kind of thing, stuff that absorbs me endlessly. So, there's me, gawping out of the window and suddenly seeing a bird land on my sunflower heart feeder. My own heart leaped. Surely not? It must be a Chaffinch......no......no, by God, it's a Brambling!! I fairly hugged myself with glee. Unmistakeably a male and still mostly in autumn plumage. I watched mesmerised, but he soon flew away. Fortunately, he has come back on a second occasion and will never know the pleasure he gives the silly human with the bald head, trapped in his little box.
My joy has been further compounded by the regular visits to my feeders and table by a female Blackcap. She is gorgeous - dainty and quick and with that beautiful russet cap. She is a regular visitor. The Brambling, I guess, will soon journey on - probably to Scandinavia, but does anyone know if my lady Blackcap could possibly be one of our residents, or will she too fly off to other lands?
On earth there is no heaven, but there are pieces of it - Jules Renard
Hi Corriepaw,
I haven't seen a Brambling yet, but i do get a buzz when any bird stops by my feeders.The latest bird to my garden is a female blackcap she has been around for about a month now and the last two days another female has arrived ,I had never had a Blackcap in my garden before.
Here are two photos of my Blackcap yesterday.This one looking at her favorite food on the table.
This one she Is now on the table.
She really tucks into the suet trays.
Littleowl
Good evening, Littleowl.
Damn my feeble computer. It won't allow me to open your photographs, I'm afraid. I'm having trouble with Adobe recently. However, I appreciate the sentiment behind your posting. It's great when you have a new species visitor, isn't it? I'm loving seeing my Blackcap on a regular basis. She has been the first to visit in my two years here. I think I read that they are on the increase and some are even becoming resident, rather than migratory. Good!
I've been spoiled since moving to a rural area and have counted over 30 species of birds in and around my garden. It's brilliant and a far cry from our little back garden on a council estate in Birmingham when I was a child. Back then, I was thrilled when I saw a Greenfinch.
Hello Corriepaw, welcome to the forum.
Isn't it wonderful when a new bird arrives, and congratulations on your brambling.
It isn't your feeble computer preventing you from opening the photos. I'm afraid it is gremlins on the forum server. We have all been experiencing problems recently. Photos come, and photos disappear. Some can see them, some can't. I also can't see Littleowl's latest photos on this thread.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
Hi,
First of all it is not your computer,look under community central someone posted important news, so have a read of that post then you will understand we have all had a problem.In time you might get to see the photos.I hope the Blackcap becomes resident, I love watching mine.
Oh littleowl, what a truly beautiful picture the second shot is. It's like she is smiling at you.
I have a lone black cap male that has been visiting my garden, but he is very elusive and has not hung around long enough for me to get a picture.
Well done again
Have never seen a brambling either, welcome to the forums
Sarah
I've learned that I still have a lot to learn...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bramble67/
Hi Brambles,
So glad you can see my pics on both posts,it is like she is smiling she is so funny to watch.
Sorry Littleowl, still can't see them.
Hello, Sparrow and thanks for the kind welcome.
Now you have both said that it isn't my computer I'll stop hitting it with my forehead. Hope I get to see those pictures soon. Yes, it is fantastic to garden watch for what birds will pass your way. My favourite visitors have been the Brambling and Blackcap and also a Spotted Flycatcher two years running. I get regular drop-ins all year round from Greater Spotted and Green Woodpeckers. I also love my Jay and 2 Jackdaws, once had a Treecreeper and once had a Goldcrest (but not for over 12 months now). A male Tawny Owl is heard more often than seen.
Sorry to go on, but most people just look at me blankly when I enthuse to them! At least on here we are like-minded folk.
Corriepaw
We are like- minded folk and it is great to share our sightings and tips ,I only joined these forums a month ago and iv'e learnt so much and had a laugh along the way.You have had some nice birds visit you,very lucky.
Wow, littleowl, I can see them now! What lovely shots! What's your camera? The female Blackcap does look gorgeous, in some ways even more impressive than the male. I really like that rusty crown.
Hi Brambles, thankyou for the welcome. Yes - it took me years to see that Brambling, in fact I was beginning to think the whole thing was a huge, international joke being played on me and they didn't exist.
Or does that sound too paranoid?