Bramblings in gardens

[Pete Collins]

I've just seen a male Brambling in the back garden.

Last year, they appeared in our back garden for the very first time, on almost the same date (22nd February). They then stayed around for several weeks, so I hope they do so again.

I had a solitary sighting here before Christmas (9th December). Am I right in thinking that that was a bit unusual, and it is around now they generally start appearing in gardens? I don't remember seeing them mentioned much recently.

[Dae]

Lucky you for having them in your garden! That would be a great find, I too hope they stick around a bit for you.

To be honest, I haven't seen a single one this year. Last year there were thousands in the area, with reports of huge flocks not 10 mins away from where I live. I did get to see some of the smaller flocks of them. But this year, I haven't seen a one - the closest one reported being 20 minutes away from here. Not sure why this is? I haven't seen any reports anywhere of any good numbers of them this year - is this dependent on their food sources on where they migrate from?

[Pete Collins]

Thanks Dae. I was absolutely thrilled when I first saw a Brambling here, as they are not a bird I've seen very often at all. Last winter they appeared to visit gardens far more than usual, as several WABbers reported seeing them. But they've hardly been mentioned at all this winter, as far as I can recall.