Sunday 20 December 2015

Brambling

About a week ago now, I came across a bird in the garden that I had only ever recorded once before (and that was quire a few years ago now when it was very cold). So it was a delight to see a female Brambling feeding on the tray of our large sunflower heart feeder, travelling in with the mixed flock of Goldfinch, Chaffinch and Greenfinch. 



This particular bird came in to the garden after the first real frost of the year last weekend, and stayed for a couple of days. However, I haven't seen it since, so I think it was that snap of cold weather that brought it in to feed in the garden.


Bramblings in the UK are migrants, they winter here south of the breeding range and in varying numbers depending upon the availability of beech mast, which is there prime food source. It is only really in poor mast years, with bad winter weather that any numbers can be seen feeding in British gardens. 

According to the BTO 2007-11 Bird Atlas, Brambling winter distribution has increased by 21% across England, Wales and Scotland since the 1981-84 Bird Atlas. The distribution maps also show more abundance of Brambling sightings round areas like the New Forest where there are denser amounts of beech trees.

So fingers crossed for some colder weather.

Wild Bird Wednesday

11 comments:

  1. Well spotted Findlay. Wishing you and your family a very Happy Xmas and peaceful New Year. Your pictures of Frodsham are very atmospheric. Used to visit Port Sunlight vIllage frequently.

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  2. These are fantastic shots !! It's always nice to watch the beautiful birds !!
    Greetings

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  3. Well done, Finn!

    My best wishes to you, Harley, and your mum and dad for a great Christmas and a wonderful 2016 - - Richard

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  4. Hello, congrats on your Brambling visitor. They are all beautiful birds, I especially love the Goldfinch. Merry Christmas to you and your family.

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  5. Great photos, I've only ever seen one Brambling a few weeks ago with a group of Chaffinches

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  6. Great spotting Merry Christmas.

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  7. Cracking little bird, I'm yet to get one in my garden

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  8. Lovely shots of all the birds feeding. Your goldfinches are so different from ours here in the US.

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  9. Love seeing so many at once. What a treat for you to observe them in your garden!

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  10. That is a thrill!!! I love when a new bird visits my feeder. Job well done!!!

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  11. How nice for you to see the Brambling. I hope she comes back again. :)

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