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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My Flickr Photostream
Seen some at Venus Pool in Shropshire and got (a not particularly good) picture of one!
"All weeds are flowers, once you get to know them" (Eeyore)
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The Bramblings arrived at the back end of November in the North East, I'm hoping to be out ringing tomorrow at a site were the numbers are really good. I'll have my new camera so hopefully I will get some good photo's.
Regards Buzzard
Nature Is Amazing - Let Us Keep It That Way
MarJus, Buzzard, thanks for your photographs. Great for ID. I haven't seen any this winter yet.
I saw bramblings at the zoo yesterday, they were having a lovely time together (group of 5-6) in the trees on the bank of the penguin enclosure. This enclosure is next to a wildfowl enclosure & there was food down available, so maybe this attracted them. Although in general the zoo is in a wooded area.
Two on garden feeders in a garden in Stevenston, Ayrshire past two days
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?
Regards
Kerry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kezmo6310/
I wonder that aswell Kezmo. Their little legs look so fragile, I'd be scared of hurting them.
Thanks guys. It's good to know that there are some about. Perhaps the forecast bad weather will drive them further south.
I agree with Kezmo, I think the photos are excellent. Look forward to seeing more if you get them.
MarJus: Your picture of the Brambling is superb. Looks like a female Brambling {big smile}
Buzzard: Yet another super picture of a male Bramblng looking a little cross with you (smile}
Susan: Great to see a Brambling even if it was some time ago {smile}
TeeJay: I will wish a Brambling to come your way from today {***waves a wand***}
Love to see one here anyday too. I am sure that the chances will increase with the cold snowy weather.
Last time we saw a few was at our last address in Bedford
Kathy and Dave
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.
Seems to have been a really good year for Fieldfare and Redwing, especially Fieldfare, see them most days either flying over or working the hedgerows when I'm out walking or driving to work.
Was also lucky enough to see a Green Sandpiper on the sewage works at the weekend, the hard weather often brings one in.
"Feed the birds, tuppence a bag" Mary Poppins