Bullfinches

[werry]

As a boy back in the 1950's we often heard and saw bullfinches and what a lovely striking bird . But now i have only heard and and seen one twice in a very long time, yesterday was truly a surprise as its now three times! and it was a male bird. What has happened to this bird? has it suffered from disease? any one know?.

[ChrisJB]

To be honest Werry, from my own observations, I'd say there are more bullfinches about than there used to be. Where I live in SE Lancs, I only saw odd ones as a kid and each sighting was a real treat, but nowadays, on most of my local walks I either hear or see them and from time to time we get them in the garden.

Chris

[watsthat]

Hi Werry; I don`t know which part of eastern England you are in but I lived on the eastern side of the Yorkshire Wolds (Beverley) for a number of years and Bullfinches definitely seemed to be declining and they did indeed become very scarce. I had a theory that housing development was destroying their habitat. However for the past 7 years I have lived on the western side of the Wolds and I would now class them as common. I always see them on my weekly walks and winter flocks upto double figures are not uncommon. Admittedly many of these could be migrants.

Cheers

Pete

[aeshna5]

They have declined nationally, though I think from the BTO data they had a good breeding season in 2011.

They're not uncommon in my part of the London suburbs where there's plenty of suitable scrub + I do see them frequently, though sometimes go a while without picking them up. Always a joy to see that's for sure!

[Deb London]

They are elusive, which I find strange given their bright colour. There are a fair few around here and I usually hear their call rather than see them. Managed to spot a female today, which was nice.

Looks like we can help this species, which is always good to know:

Interestingly, GBFS data suggest that Bullfinches have begun to penetrate our towns and cities increasingly, with counts now higher in suburban than in rural gardens. Suburban gardens might be beneficial to this species with greater availability of food supplements and a stronger ‘urban heat island’ effect, which can reduce energetic expenditure.

Taken from the BTOs website.

[ellen h]

As Deb sai they are elusive,I often hear them in the local country park but very rarely see them....they always seem to be just on the other side of the bushes!!!

[afcbm]

Based on what I've seen of them, I'm not convinced there is such a thing as a bullfinch!

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by afcbm

Based on what I've seen of them, I'm not convinced there is such a thing as a bullfinch!

Oh ye of little faith!

[dunkeld]

There seems to be no shortage in this part of east Perthshire. They have never been plentiful, there were certain areas we could go and see several pairs.
I remember, many years ago, reading that in Germany,Bullfinches were kept as cagebirds and were taught to whistle marching songs, Strange but true

[actionfinch]

I have been fortunate to see a bully twice so far this year. In the same area , when i have been walking the dog.Not observed a female mind, just the male..