A Garden First!

[Astra]

I had my first ever Redpoll in the garden today!
Managed to get a couple of snaps through the double glazing and I'm presuming that it's a female Lesser Redpoll - C. Cabaret - but perhaps someone would like to confirm it as I'm never quite sure with Redpolls





I was also lucky enough to get a pair of Blackcaps a couple of days ago, so all in all it's been a good week on the feeders!

[tameblackbirds]

wow! How lucky great shots too

[Dae]

Amazing! I've only seen a female blackcap once before, but to have a pair in the garden? That'd be fantastic, great shots! Also, a redpoll to boot, lucky you! I'm rubbish with redpolls so no help there.

[Gaza]

Hi Astra

I have never seen a Redpoll
But we now for the first time have a pair of Blackcaps living in the garden.
The female is often at the feeders, but the male is a bit more timid.
Haven't got photo's of either yet.
But i will

Nice set of photo's

[leifus]

wow they are brilliant! Even I haven't had redpolls in the garden you're one up on me there

[Astra]

Thanks guys, I was really excited about the Redpoll and hope that it might come back now that it knows where the Nyger is.
The Blackcaps were an added bonus

Would still like conformation on the ID (female Lesser Redpoll) if anyone is up for it please ??????

[ogwen]

Very nice . Ive recently seen a male blackcap theyre lovely, never seen a female though.
Oh lucky you seeing a redpoll in your garden, must admit to being a tad bit envious

[natureguy]

Originally Posted by Astra

Would still like conformation on the ID (female Lesser Redpoll) if anyone is up for it please ??????

Hi Astra I dont think its possible to get a definate ID on the sex of this one. Males generally have a red patch on thier breasts but some males may not and it's usually most noticable during the breeding season. the only definate way you can tell is if it has the chest patch, then it's a male but with this one there's really no way of telling. Hope that helps.

[aeshna5]

I would say it's a Common (Mealy) Redpoll- gives the impression of a larger bird with more prominent bill than cabaret, with a pale, frosted appearance. There are certainly some around in Surrey- a few with Lessers at London wetland Centre.

[Astra]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I would say it's a Common (Mealy) Redpoll- gives the impression of a larger bird with more prominent bill than cabaret, with a pale, frosted appearance. There are certainly some around in Surrey- a few with Lessers at London wetland Centre.

Ooh that's interesting and even better!!
I did wonder about the back being greyer, the white eyestripe being so prominant and therefore a possible Mealy, but if in doubt I tend to play safe and opt for the most likely!