Where are the Bramblings?

When the cold weather sent its first icy blast from Siberia just before Christmas Fieldfares and Redwings arrived in droves. However, I've yet to see any Bramblings, at least here in the south.

Usually a few turn up at the feeders at my local nature reserve but this year nothing. There have been no reports of sightings on the Berksbirds website either.

I would love to hear if anyone has had good sightings and particularly to see any photos you have managed to take. The males especially are gorgeous.

Tony

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Tony

My Flickr Photostream 

  • Unknown said:

    MarJus! Are you mad? that's a lovely shot of a lovely bird! 

    Yours too Buzzard, what's it like to have a bird in your hand, up close to see its beauty?

     

    Hi Kezmo, it is a great privilage to handle any bird. Years of training and dedication, also having the birds welfare is paramount.

    Regards Buzzard

    Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way

  • Wow! Superb photos MarJus and Buzzard. How I would love to see one of those little beauties.

    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!

  • Heard on the radio this morning that this cold spell of weather may cause 'irruptions' - migrations often in search of food - of birds, heading here to feast on berries, nuts, seeds, etc.  Waxwings were mentioned and this is one I always look out for.  I'll be interested to hear of any sightings of these and also bramblings and siskins.  Bramblings, though seem to have a knack for homing in on a good supply of their favourite food - beech nuts - so may already be sorted.  It's not too late though, especially if this weather persists.

    Watch out for swifts

  • ValO said:
    Bramblings, though seem to have a knack for homing in on a good supply of their favourite food - beech nuts - so may already be sorted.  It's not too late though, especially if this weather persists.

    This will be the reason my only little shot of Brambling in my garden, is a short video (Flickr link on my page) In the snow on top of the beech hedge!! Thanks ValO. I failed to pick up on this at the time, but thanks to your help I'm informed and ready. Searching my brain for local beech.

    Great Photos too, thanks B & B 

    John :-)

    For viewing or photography right place right time is everything. I'd rather be in the right place with poor kit than have the best kit and be in the wrong place.

  • There were three bramblings in our garden this morning.  They were under some evergreen bushes, turning over dead leaves.   They ignored the fruit, nuts and fat balls.  Would insects or larvae been available for them?The temperature has been  verging on zero or below since before Christmas.  I live in a village on the north coast of the Firth of Forth.

  •  

    Hi

    Unknown said:

    Not seen any in Norfolk this winter.

    Have also drawn a blank on Siskin and Redpoll, usually see these two on the local patch (occasional Siskin in the garden), Have never seen Brambling on the local patch though.

    Hi,

    there's been a single brambling visiting Titchwell feeders over new year but no big numbers  at any of the normal regular places.  Siskins can be heard flying around at Sculthorpe reserve most winters :)

     

    S

     

     

     

    For advice about Birding, Identification,field guides,  binoculars, scopes, tripods,  etc - put 'Birding Tips'   into the search box

  • Unknown said:

    When the cold weather sent its first icy blast from Siberia just before Christmas Fieldfares and Redwings arrived in droves. However, I've yet to see any Bramblings, at least here in the south.

    Usually a few turn up at the feeders at my local nature reserve but this year nothing. There have been no reports of sightings on the Berksbirds website either.

    I would love to hear if anyone has had good sightings and particularly to see any photos you have managed to take. The males especially are gorgeous.

    Tony

     

    Hi Tony,

    I manged to spot another one, a lone female. I was trying to get some decent photo's before some kind chap let his Jack Russel run straight through the feeding station!!!!!

    Was unable to get out to my ringing site due to bad weather. Hopefully when I go I shall have some better photo's.

    Regards Buzzard

     

    Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way

  • We have just seen two Bramblings in our garden. By the time I got the camera, they flew off !!!

  • Thanks Buzzard and Brenda, I live in hope.

    Had another 2 to 3 inches of snow again last night so having just cleared my drive I've got to do it all over again.

    Maybe this will drive the bramblings into more gardens.

    Tony

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    Tony

    My Flickr Photostream 

  • HI Tony, snow has become lighter here, ( E.Sussex)  Looks to be another 2" at least.