1st Bullfinch. Yaay!

Cowgirl · #1 (**permalink**) 30-01-2010, 03:02 PM

Sorry I know this is probably a common bird, but I've never succeeded in actually seeing one. I know they're about cos I can hear em. Driving back from the local (3miles!) shop (special journey out for blocks of lard). I saw two males having a spat in front of me then the victor stopped in a hedge just at eyelevel as I went past. Lovely! The sun was out so I got a good look. Such a bright, beautiful bird. Just had to share, thank you.

StRoRo · #2 (**permalink**) 30-01-2010, 03:59 PM

Congrats, I saw my first one round my local today too. Seen loads else where but first one near where I live

Geoff F · #3 (**permalink**) 30-01-2010, 07:36 PM

I haven't seen one in the wild here for many years, but recently a female has started feeding in my garden.

Jonners · #4 (**permalink**) 30-01-2010, 08:01 PM

Saw a male and female today while I was out walking at Ely. Saw a lovely male a couple of weeks ago in the forest, but hadn't seen any for ages prior to that. Such beautiful birds, always lovely to see.

thebeard · #5 (**permalink**) 30-01-2010, 08:04 PM

i only saw my first at the start of december, there's a little population which live in the hedgerows near the bird ringing site at my uni campus. seen them on a couple of other patches recently too, good little birds and a lovley little tune

RobinP · #6 (**permalink**) 30-01-2010, 09:17 PM

I've been feeding the Bullfinches in my garden for about the last 20 years, the flock is up to 10 now and we had a couple of juveniles last summer for the first time. They are lovely birds and a pleasure to watch even though they cost me a fortune in sunflower hearts.

Lincs Yellowbelly · #7 (**permalink**) 02-02-2010, 08:37 PM

First post for ages

They are a fantastic bird the bullfinch, i remember a few years ago i set out to try and spot a bullfinch as i'd not seen one for ages. It took a good while but i eventually struck lucky. These days we have a pair that have bred on some land i part own and the flock has increased to a good number, you can often see them now. Watched 3 on sunday for a good 30mins picking at a hawthorn tree

ChrissyMarie · #8 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobinP

I've been feeding the Bullfinches in my garden for about the last 20 years, the flock is up to 10 now and we had a couple of juveniles last summer for the first time. They are lovely birds and a pleasure to watch even though they cost me a fortune in sunflower hearts.

Is that what they mainly eat? We have three visiting our garden at the minute which is brilliant (especially as it has been a twelve month mission to get birds into our garden). There is a male one that seems to come and eat suet pellets and the male and female are on a seed feeder since I changed my seed!

stigofthedump · #9 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 03:52 PM

Lucky you Cowgirl!
I'm still yet to see one

hopefully soon

Vince

RobinP · #10 (**permalink**) 03-02-2010, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrissyMarie

Is that what they mainly eat? We have three visiting our garden at the minute which is brilliant (especially as it has been a twelve month mission to get birds into our garden). There is a male one that seems to come and eat suet pellets and the male and female are on a seed feeder since I changed my seed!

Yes, they certainly love their sunflower hearts...