Once or twice over the last 23 years I have been really surprised by a bird visitor in the garden. All the species I usually see can be predicted and expected and it is just a matter of time before I can get an image to post here. Today was one of those special days and a real surprise when something cropped up that wasn’t predicted or expected.
In the morning at around breakfast time I took a photo of a this Greenfinch which was showing so well, very close to the kichen, and through the window I snapped this shot which I have to say I am very pleased with. It’s a male by the way. Nothing particularly remarkable about that except perhaps it being so close to the house. There seemed to be quite a lot of excitement with Greenfinches of both sexes crossing from the shrubbery to the apple tree. After a while I noticed what I thought was perhaps a couple of sparrows in the tree but something didn’t quite look right. I went with my camera to the upstairs window and couldn’t believe my eyes. I saw that it wasn’t a sparrow in my view finder but a Redpoll-Carduelus cabaret. I just could not get my camerta to focus quickly on the bird, the lens was “hunting” and I managed two really poor out of focus shots before it flew off. I clearly saw the red cap, and having seen Linnets on numerous occasions in the past, I can say with 100% certainty that it was a Redpoll. This is not only a first for the garden but also a first confirmed lifer for me. As I waited for the Redpoll to show again a Magpie perched quickly before moving on and I got a good shot of him as well
I watched the Redwing again and managed a good photo, and also took a couple of lovely shots of one of the young Rabbits,
and this poser of a Robin who wanted to sing to me for all he was worth!My day didn’t end there. I discovered a Common Sandpiper on the banks of the River Exe later in the day. I have not included photos of the Sandpiper here because I am sure I will get better ones when I return tomorrow. .

If perhaps you are wondering how I manage to spend my entire life bird and wildlife watching then may I say that being retired in my mid 50’s can certainly be recommended!!!!!