Is this a Redpoll?

[lucy78green]

I was just fiddling around with the zoom lens on the camera as we seem to have gone from 2 gold finches to about 10 fighting over our feeders. I noticed this bird when I downloaded the pictures. He wouldn't hold still long enough so I only got 2 non blurry photos. I looked up the RSPB website and I think it's a redpoll, but could be wrong as I've never had one in my garden before (that I've noticed)

[Richard G.]

It is, Lesser Redpoll.

[lucy78green]

thanks, I seem to find that the birds I see in real life don't have as marked differences as those on the illustrations on the RSPB website. They are probably highlighting the differences to make it obvious, but real life bird photos I think are better

[Dogghound]

I agree its a lesser redpoll.

The RSPB site mainly shows birds in full breeding plumage. Im not sure the drawings are great on that site, also it doesnt really tell you what features to look for, comparing a photo and a drawing can be hard.

[lucy78green]

We seem to have loads of goldfinches recently, I was getting worried as during the snow we were only getting 2 coal tits and a few sparrows. I have even watched some of the goldfinches attempting to peck the fat balls, but they usually try it once and decide not to do it again.

[actionfinch]

Originally Posted by Dogghound

I agree its a lesser redpoll.

The RSPB site mainly shows birds in full breeding plumage. Im not sure the drawings are great on that site, also it doesnt really tell you what features to look for, comparing a photo and a drawing can be hard.

I know this is not the thread , but i cant help agree... i think thats why i have a few bird handbooks /guides...
but hey well done for spotting it.

[faz]

yes lesser redpoll

[Farplace]

Yes the bird on the right is lesser redpoll.