Find me a bullfinch..please

[Wild-Woman]

I live in Kent and would like to ask if anyone knows where I can see a bullfinch.I've never seen one. Where would be the best area to start looking?I would be so

[nightshade]

Hello WW,Do you have a garden and feed the birds? If they are in the area they will probably turn up they eat sunflower hearts here in my garden
no garden? the local park ordinary trees a few conifers they all need a drink at sometime I am sure they must be there somewhere

[Jonny]

I find that the edges of woodland are the best places to spot them. though I have seen them in the middle of woods too and also one was spotted in our garden which has no woods close by. Listen for a single note that sounds a bit like seeeeep, which I find they use the most. I have to say I am not an expert on them and am only stating what I have learnt. Try going to your local reserves and asking there. Good luck in your hunt for them as they are worth seeing....................Jon

[Helen]

The edges of woodland are a good choice, espeically where lots of brambles and stuff are.

The pair in our garden eat the brambles and stuff on the edge of our wood. they have never come down to the feeders, enough natural food around thankfully.

[digi]

I agree with Helen, I have found a spot on the edge of some trees regularly visited by a dozen pairs on Bullfinches. There are plenty of images in the gallery.

[John]

Originally Posted by Wild-Woman

I live in Kent and would like to ask if anyone knows where I can see a bullfinch.I've never seen one. Where would be the best area to start looking?I would be so

Hi Wild-Woman

Below are a few sites I know of where Bullfinch are reported from time to time.

I don't know where you live in Kent but if you know the Rose & Crown Hotel in Tonbridge then you need to go to the Norman Castle nearby. Walk the grounds here and you are in with a good chance of seeing Bullfinch.

Stodmarsh

Here is a link to where this is. http://www.english-nature.org.uk/spe...asp?NNR_ID=147

Cottington:

The area includes the planned Country Park under development on the old Betteshanger colliery tip, and all the remaining farmland to the northern edge of Deal. There are Bullfinch here. Perhaps not in great numbers but I have had them there.

Leybourne Lakes Country Park

Leybourne Lakes Country Park is an extensive area of former sand and gravel workings located to the North of Leybourne Way and separating the built up areas of Larkfield and Snodland.


Marle Place Gardens

Below is a link to where this place is. Ordinance Survey map reference TQ681397.
http://www.streetmap.co.uk/newmap.sr...8150&ay=139750

Blean Woods.

Link here. http://www.english-nature.org.uk/tex....asp?NNR_ID=21

There are bound to be more sites than this but they are enough to be going on with at the moment.

John

[Wild-Woman]

Wow. What a great selection. Thank you. I'm not too far from Leybourne Lakes so that sounds ideal. It must be the place near the RSPCA rescue centre. Off to my daughters 21st this weekend but will go there for sure next weekend and let you know if Im successful.Thanks again. WW :-)

[Wild-Woman]

Thank you. I'll take a look at the photos. ww:-)

[Wild-Woman]

I will take youir advice and keep an I out near hedges. Thank you. ww :-)

[Wild-Woman]

We've got a sparse birch woodland near us. Do you think they would hang out there? Or does it need to be dense ancient woods? Thank you.:-)

[Wild-Woman]

I have all sorts of feeders and seeds.Sunflower hearts,nyger,Black sunflower,mixed wildbird seed. fat balls, peanuts,robin mix and insect suet treats.Lots of goldfinches,greenfinches,sparrows,starlings, doves,chaffinches. Do you think that all the other species might put them off? Thank you for your help.WW :-)

[Helen]

Hi WW

The other species won't put them off, the pair I have are often seen with the flock of finches near the brambles etc.

[henrya]

I should have a look round any orchards, (if they still have them in Kent!). Bullfinches are, I'm afraid, regarded as pests by fruit growers.

henrya

[John]

Originally Posted by henrya

I should have a look round any orchards, (if they still have them in Kent!). Bullfinches are, I'm afraid, regarded as pests by fruit growers.

henrya

Your correct with that Henry. In fact I think that both Kent and Worcestershire possibly still have the right to cull these birds. I know they used to but not sure if that is still the same situation.

John

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Pity you're not up here in Lincolnshire Wild-Woman, i could recommend a brilliant area, seen up to 18 together during this winter

[John]

Same here. The hides with feeder stations at Upton Warren Moors and Flashes have them in abundance and they are only feet away from you.

John

[Wild-Woman]

Thanks for everyones help to help me find a bullfinch. Just one more question if you don't all mind. When the orchard trees are dormant for winter, what is a bullfinch's source of food then,in the main? Should really have done my homework on this but 'you lot'are far more interesting and knowledgable and I'm lazy. And fun!

[Helen]

They have been eating all the brambles at my place.

[Lincs Yellowbelly]

Seen them feeding on Brambles at my fishing last throughout the winter

[pheonix]

they eat alot of buds, leaves or flowers, and seeds and fruits.
i often see them in and around patches of scrub.
have seen then in the garden a couple of times just sat taking in the veiws..