Red poll

I think this is a Lesser Redpoll but open to suggestions, I didn't realise until last night there are a few types. The pair have feasted on the Nyger seed during the week along with Siskins and Goldfinch which ties in well with the information below. A better day here despite a few heavy showers with the birds frantic to top up on suet, seeds and nuts.

A few of us gathered last night for a DVD evening and lots of foody delights. We watched Sunshine on Leith and I don't know who was the most surprised me or John to see him grinning and singing out the songs of our youth. Why haven't we done this before - the DVD night not the singing out loud. The film was a delight, emotional at times but funny and generally a great evening after a horrid day of rain and the dreaded labrynthitis.

In half an hour or so we are meeting for a 'ladies who talk' where tea will be taken and I hope a Swiss roll will be enjoyed. Five of us meet to chat about films, books and food and ohhhh yes three and half of us are blippers which involves a chat about cameras and the like, perhaps next time we meet it will be four?


From the internet:
Lesser Redpolls are a terrific addition to any garden, bringing with them lots of activity and lively twittering. They are sociable birds, often travelling with Siskins and Goldfinches during early spring. Their increasing use of bird feeders – particularly of nyger seed – is of considerable interest and importance because Lesser Redpolls are a species of high conservation concern.

Early spring sees their abundance in gardens peak, so now is a great time to find out more about them. To help, the BTO has produced a Lesser Redpoll factsheet. This includes a helpful section on ID, which can be a headache. Lesser Redpolls are by far the most frequently seen of the redpoll species in the UK, but occasionally householders will spot Common or even Arctic Redpolls. These birds all look similar so the factsheet highlights helpful distinguishing features.