Siskins...

Woke up this morning to a very dull overcast wet day, but it was quickly brightened up by the appearance of 6 Eurasian Siskins (Carduelis spinus). This species is fairly common throughout the mixed woodland in the area but are not so common visitors to my garden feeders. There were 4 females and 2 males one of which had very striking plumage for this late on in the year.

Other birds seen around the garden today were 12 Greenfinch, 23 Chaffinch, 1 Goldfinch, 4 Blue Tit, 2 Great Tit, 2 Coal Tit, 4 Collared Dove, 2 Dunnock, 1 Robin, 7 Starlings, 5 Blackbirds & 4 House Sparrow.

Other birds of note were a Red Kite soaring above the field across the road giving good views. It was a wing-tagged bird with blue wing-tags but couldn't quite make out the code on them. 2 Buzzards also spotted over the same field and 36 Wood Pigeon on the telephone wire adjacent to the field.

Unfortunately the Siskins didn't stay long enough for me to get some photos but here is one of a stunning male to brighten up your day.

 Male Siskin - Photographer: drumbatter100 - www.birddb.co.uk