Ignore the banner above, I am back home in England now and as normal, it has taken me a few days to get back in to the swing of a Devon winter and all its got to offer.  I had a quick visit this morning from a mate Dave – thats him on the left, click on the link to his blog. He told me that he had photographed Brambling somewhere nearby and they were showing really well.  I had planned to visit the spot there anyway and when I had a few hours free this afternoon I got myself togged up in warm clothing – a bit different than Florida – but it felt good to be out in the English countryside again.

It was a good hour or so and I managed photos of Brambling which was nice as they are not a bird you see all that often.

Brambling male.

You can see why people like to see Bramblings, not only are they a little bit unusual and not seen very often they are also very attractive.  As you probably know they are very closely related to the Chaffinch and all though the one below is a female, the Brambling is a must more attractive bird and not really all that similar when you look close.

 

Chaffinch female.

 

Greenfinch female.

This is a Greenfinch of course, a female and a bird that used to be really, really common.  They are not at all rare in the UK of course  but they have taken a bit of a hit over the last few years which is a shame. Their numbers seem to be building again and hopefully very soon they will be seen in the garden as often as they used to be.

Siskin Male

This is a Siskin of course and a bird that Americans may be familiar with as they are called Pine Siskin in the States and Canada. When I was in Florida last week I saw and photographed the American Goldfinch which in non breeding plumage is very similar. This is not particularly surprising because both are in the  carduelis family. But, having said that both the Greenfinch above and the European Goldfinch are also Carduelis finches but not in the least bit lookalike.