Mega Garden Lifer

RobS · #1 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 08:23 AM

It was darkish and I had only just woken up but...I pulled the curtains back in our bedroom which looks over the garden where I have a couple of feeders. Pulling the curtains back often temporarily scares the birds off and today it was no exception. Soon though they returned, the normal traffic. 'Ah there's the female Chaffinch' again I thought as it disappeared with a flash of white. Er that was not a white wingbar, that was a white rump. Was I seeing things? After an agonising wait (probably a minute) I could see the 'Chaffinch' clearly and it was, much to my surprise, a Brambling - what a spot in my garden!!! That's 56, not bad for suburban Southampton. I got my camera but the battery was flat. However with a bit of charge I got a shot or two through the window but they are dreadful because of the light. It is back again so will see if I can take a 'proof' shot.

Walking outside I saw a Kestrel, that's only the 6th time I've seen one of those.

Waxwings next!

Dream on.

Rob S

Acipiter · #2 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:00 AM

I hope you had something on, and not flashing to everyone.

RobS · #3 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:08 AM

I was like Hector in the Iliad - of the flashing helmet

htcdude · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:18 AM

Hey that's a brilliant garden bird! Male or female?

RobS · #5 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:25 AM

Like your avatar so a male I guess.

I have sent it to RBA but they haven't put it on their website, not sure why not they normally report Bramblings.

Rob S

htcdude · #6 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:26 AM

Maybe they've decided they're not so rare anymore? There's a good number around the country at the moment.

Nige

Cordaline · #7 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:32 AM

Well done you!

RobS · #8 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:38 AM

Well they seem to have posted them in recent times from a single bird to a flock of 1200

PMG · #9 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RobS

Well they seem to have posted them in recent times from a single bird to a flock of 1200

Well done - I would get excited if we had a brambling in our garden too. Try asking them why they haven't reported it - maybe its just been overlooked - pester a bit - works for kids so why not adults too!!!!

We have a Jay coming into our garden on the lawn at the min which is a big tick for us ......... I'm wondering if I can get the hide up without it noticing - hahaha! Maybe tonight after dark so I can give it a try tomorrow ..........