mealy's

[pegasus]

just got back from bempton cliffs[ what an amazing place to see thousands of gannets,razorbills,puffins etc] however whilst crawling and wheezing up the cliffs paths i spotted a redpoll.I thought it was bigger than previous ones i've with more widespread pink chest markings. I am speculating whether this might be a mealy redpoll ?[ sadly no picture as my camera is having a nervous breakdown-] Or maybe it is too late to see them as i believe they are a winter visitor?

[Dogghound]

Im working on the reserve on Thursday I can ask around if any have been sighted?

[pegasus]

Thanks---i would be interested if my observations were right[for once!]
ps--apart from the gobsmacking spectacle of the sea birds also enjoyed the reed and corn buntings, tree sparrows and skylarks. A great reserve with welcoming and friendly volunteers

[Dogghound]

Thankyou, im glad you enjoyed it I will pass on your kind words. Apart from the seabirds which are the main attraction it is fantastic for farmland birds and we get quite a variety there, such as the grasshopper warbler that has been there the last few days. Not to mention other wildlife. Im hopefully going to be surveying the meadow for insects this summer which will be great.

[aeshna5]

Could it have been a male Linnet as the habitat sounds better for this than a redpoll?

[pegasus]

Thanks--it did cross my mind and you may be right. Just thought it looked bigger and redpollish[ very scientific!].

[Dogghound]

We certainally get plenty of linnets there. Although due to the coastal location lots of other species can pop up from time to time.

[Dogghound]

I asked around yesterday and no reports of redpoll. There are loads of very keen birders there so its unlikely it would have been missed. So likely a male linnet as mentioned before.

[pegasus]

Many thanks for checking and i apologise for my misindentification[not for the first time!!]------just that i don't think i'v ever seen a linnet with such widespread pink chest markings.Still it's all a learning curve and back to books for me-.By the way i often check the RSPB reserve sighting list and it would be nice if Bempton had more entries and not just of the cliff birds. But i guess it's about time and committments.Anyway thanks again and look forward to our next visit