Flock of Yellowhammers

leifus · #1 (**permalink**) 20-03-2008, 05:52 PM

I saw a flock of 9 yellowhammers in a ploughed field today. I thought it was unusual for yellowhammers to flock? Am I right?

Bwrack · #2 (**permalink**) 20-03-2008, 05:57 PM

Not at all...have seen them in gangs many times...they are also quite gregarious and it is
not uncommon to see them mixed up with assorted other finches

leifus · #3 (**permalink**) 20-03-2008, 06:00 PM

Thanks. Now you mention it they were in among lots of chaffinch so that's interesting.

aeshna5 · #4 (**permalink**) 20-03-2008, 09:04 PM

Buntings + finches do often flock, especially outside breeding season. When I was at Amwell last month there were 50+ Reed Buntings at a feeding station + c100 were in the area.

leifus · #5 (**permalink**) 21-03-2008, 10:14 AM

Lucky you! I have only ever seen reed buntings once. They seem to evade me, because I know they aren't that rare.

Chas · #6 (**permalink**) 21-03-2008, 08:56 PM

The yellowhammers that I saw this week were in the company of Chaffinches as well, no sign of any females just two cock birds who didn't appear to be getting on all that well either.