Reed Buntings?

tigger · #1 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 02:55 PM

I was given a tip-off that 40+ reed buntings were over wintering on a small patch of burnt heathland near to where I live - using the nearby gorse as cover at night.

I took a walk up there today. Couldn't get near to the birds but could they be reed buntings?

The top two birds (on the second pic) look to have the male rb markings... or is this just wishful thinking on my part? All the birds were feeding on the ground between the grass and new heather.

I know they are awful pics (truly awful). I will try to get some better ones but they just wouldn't let me get any nearer

Thanks. Jane

Jenny W · #2 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 03:05 PM

Reed Buntings for me

Dogghound · #3 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 04:01 PM

I agree these are reed bunts.

Ukwildlifeo · #4 (**permalink**) 02-01-2010, 04:04 PM

yep agreed, the top two are males as you say and the others are female/immatures.

nikolai_avenger · #5 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 08:09 AM

Yep, looking good for Reed Buntings. A personal favourite of mine, been lucky enough to have two visiting the peanut feeder (!) in our garden the last week or so.

Regards, Nik.

big bill · #6 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 08:29 AM

Never seen them but looking at pics in various books will say Reed Buntings

tigger · #7 (**permalink**) 05-01-2010, 05:45 PM

Thanks for all your comments. Really appreciate your help. I'd love to see one at my garden feeder... handsome little birds!

nikolai_avenger · #8 (**permalink**) 06-01-2010, 08:09 AM

Yes, I agree, they are very easy on the eye. ;-)

If you live near a river, or some arable land, it would probably increase the likelihood of them coming to your garden.

Regards, Nik.

RoyW · #9 (**permalink**) 06-01-2010, 09:47 AM

As others have confirmed, they are definitely Reed Buntings in your photos - and at least one of the males is in very good plumage for this time of year.

The black head pattern is obscured by pale feather edges in winter plumaged males, with these edges wearing away gradually during the winter meaning that the head gradually becomes darker (there is also a partial pre-breeding moult of some head/throat feathers). As with all wildlife, there is some variation in the timing. This is a male that I photographed a few days ago;

Birds in flocks are often very difficult to approach, because if one bird gets spooked they will all fly up. If you want to try and get closer try and find one that is feeding alone (or home they come to a feeding station!).