Chaffinches are another common visitor to the garden. They are predominantly ground feeding birds so don't often come onto the perches.

Again the male of the species is more attractive than the female.

Male Chaffinch

Female Chaffinch

Brambling

During one of my sessions something different caught my eye. In and amongst the chaffinches (a flock of 6-8 birds visit) was a superficially similar, but more interesting bird. The Brambling is a winter visitor to this country and this was the first time I have had opportunity to photograph one!

Unfortunately it stayed on the ground, hopping around the base of my set up. It did however, come very close. Oblivious to me in my hide, it came within 3 feet, albeit moving around quite quickly and often only pausing with its back to me. The light was very dull (I shot at ISO 800) but I did get one or two images I was pleased with.

Brambling

Brambling

Brambling Brambling

For more images of this Brambling please click here