Female reed bunting??

[k4t3]

On the flat open bird feeder this morning, hoovering up the birdseed was an unusual bird. Slightly smaller than a sparrow, with lovely clear 'marbled' markings in brown, cream and white on its back, a streaked head, obvious brow and moustache markings and a buffy streaked chest. I have looked through all my books and the pics on this site and came to the conclusion it was a female reed bunting.
If this was the case, is it normal for a solitary bird to come to a garden feeder? Although there are water habitats nearby, my garden is quite a way from these and I have never seen this bird before in the local area. Could it be my bad id skills or could she have been forced further afield to search for food in the bad weather?
Any ideas to help a slightly confused, very amateur bird spotter?

[Dogghound]

Yes its possible, sounds like it could be. Do you have any farmland (what type) near you?

[k4t3]

Mostly arable farmland, mixed with quite boggy, watery areas and a large reclaimed pit spoil- sounds grim but very well managed and rather a good mixed habitat for wildlife!

[Dogghound]

Perfect habitat for Reed bunts. So makes it even more likely.

[aeshna5]

Does sound like Reed Bunting which is about sparrow size.

[k4t3]

Thx for the feedback, will be keeping close eye out for any further sightings and will try to get pics..my garden never ceases to amaze me...only been here about a year and the variety and changing nature of it is fantastic..pity I have to work, or I would be out there all the time!

[John]

In the winter it is always possible to get Reed Buntings in your garden. I have the occasional male & female and yet their nearest habitat to me is about a mile away.

Just in case you are still not sure, here are a couple of my images of a female.



And here are a couple of mine of the male.



Does that help in firming up your ID?

John

[k4t3]

Thanks John, 99% certain that she's a reed bunting now! Will be keeping watch to see if there are any males around as well.