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,
Welcome from me too. Yes, there are lots of like-minded people on here and we all get very excited about our feathered visitors. Sounds like you have a very good garden there with all your different birds. They are great aren't they? I can easily find myself late for work because I have lingered too long at the upstairs landing window in the morning!
Best wishes,
Sarum Bat
There is something new to learn everyday...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skylark58/
You do have a lovely selection of birds in your garden, and I'm delighted you have a pair of jackdaws. I have 6 regulars on my feeders, and about 6 milion in the trees in the adjacent fields. Happily, only the 6 regulars deign to come down to see me. They are wonderful characters, and so gentle for such big birds.
I've never seen a brambling either.
Littleowl - I still can't see your pics.
Cheers, Linda.
See my photos on Flickr
My camera is a Panasonic Lumix FZ38 a recent purchase i am very pleased with it.
Sparrow shame you can't see the pics,I couldn't just now but now I can.
Littleowl
Hello, Sarum and many thanks. This is a very friendly site! I must come back more often. Yes, I am lucky now and I appreciate it so much because of all the years I have lived in one concrete city or another. The countryside suits my spirit best, I think. And your are right - birds are just great. I spend ages just gazing out of the window at the comings and goings.
Cripes, you guys - I just looked at the time! I gotta go to bed, as I'm up early for work tomorrow. Goodnight and thank you all for a warm welcome, very much appreciated.
Corriepaw.
Wow Littleowl - I can see your pics now. It was worth the wait. What fantastic shots, and such a gorgeous bird. I have added her to my list of must haves in my garden!
Hi Corriepaw, welcome to the forums.
Great news on sighting your first Brambling, I have been quite lucky this year and have seen quite a few.
I have also managed to capture a few with the camera.
A couple of shots which I took earlier in the year.
I have also managed to ring several over the years.
Little Owl, lovely photo's of your Blackcap.
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
Corriepaw - you've beaten me - 49 and never knowingly seen a brambling. However, blackcaps started to visit our garden in the winter several years ago, and have come back every year since. You may find that your blackcap disappears soon, but turns up again when the going gets tough - hopefully with a mate!
Lucem Video
Hi Buzzard and Steffers and thanks for the welcome.
Nothing new to report for today - as I was at work on a 12 hour shift, so didn't spend time watching the garden. However, I am doing some voluntary conservation work tomorrow with the Wye Valley conservation group at a place called Piercefield. It'll be my first time with the group, so wish me luck! I think we'll mainly be clearing vegetation back from established paths at this time of the year, but I'm looking forward to it and of meeting other members of the group. Apparently, they meet up on the first thursday of each month to do conservation work. Sounds great.
Corriepaw
Hi Littleowl
Thanks for the details about your camera, I have been keen to take photo's of the many birds in my garden but have never had the right tool for the job.
ginger
Hi, s'funny. I thought I was the only one who had never seen a brambling, having rediscovered my early passion for birds in the last couple of years. 2 or 3 years ago, I saw the only Bramblings I have still ever seen in my garden at Oxford. A male and a couple of females if I remember. They stayed taking advantage of the free food, for a couple of weeks, then went, back to Scandinavia I suppose, and I have not seen any since.
That was in Feb I think. Perhaps a bit early for return migration but they certyainly dissapeared.
very happy to see them though. (My neighbour, a bird watcher of much longer standing, has also never seen one. You are..or rather, were not alone!
Mark