Bullfinches by the river.

[Meta menardi]

I went for a wander today by the River Derwnt in Malton today and had e really good view of 2 male bullfinches, seemingly quite happy with each other, in Alder trees. This is the best sighting I have ever had, and the colours were so vivid. The camera was at home as when I set out it was very dark-cloudy and blustery. Of course it had all brightened up when I was there.

My question, this close to breeding, why are the males not more territorial?

[RobinP]

I think Bullfinches are naturally gregarious, I have a family party visiting the garden that probably spans three generations, they keep coming even in the spring, though the males are more prominent than the females, I don't think they are particularly territorial. I suspect they mate for life but I may be wrong.