Bullfinch!!! (with long-tailed tits)

[nanila]

I am gleeful about this [slightly fuzzy] garden bird feeder photo, because it contains...a bullfinch! Look at its chunky beak and terracotta breast! I didn't think they typically used bird feeders, but this one has discovered the thistle seed feeder, which we put out for our regular visitors, the goldfinches.

In fact, I was so excited when I was trying to take these photos (in the pouring rain) that I almost failed to notice the three long-tailed tits feasting on the fat balls next to the bullfinch.

This is the third time we've seen the bullfinch, and I'm trying to stay vigilant so I can capture better photos of it when the weather is better and the brown garden waste bin isn't stood in the middle of the lawn, ha.

Comments

[yourlibrarian]

Cool!

[nanila]

I'm looking forward to doing more bird watching this weekend!

[calissa]

I understand what you mean about the garden waste bin, but it does echo the terracotta of the bullfinch rather nicely without overshadowing it.

[nanila]

Thank you for bringing a positive perspective on it. :)

[peoriapeoriawhereart]

That bullfinch looks very sturdy, like among birds it might be John Bull.

[nanila]

It was very fiercely floofed out against the weather and not going to be dislodge from its spot by any of the wild flapping about going on around it!

[shirebound]

Well spotted!

You inspire me to put out feeders with different food. I suspect the birds and squirrels are getting weary of sunflower seeds EVERY day at this restaurant.

[nanila]

Sunflower seeds are pretty delicious, but apparently they are far less likely to attract finches. From our observations, they feed almost exclusively on the thistle seed feeder. So yes, go for it and please do let me know if you see a change in your visiting bird population!

[peoriapeoriawhereart]

That makes sense, as the sorts of finches I have here prefer small seeds, and will cling to the tops of plants to feast on what they can pull out of seedheads before shatter.

[shirebound]

I put up a 'peanut butter & suet log', and a few birds have been nibbling at it. :)

[nanila]

Ooh, exciting! Any new species?

[shirebound]

so far just a few sparrows...

[tree_and_leaf]

Oh, hooray!

[nanila]

I've never seen one in our area before this so I'm delighted that we have them!

[redsixwing]

What a handsome finch! And the long-tailed tits are just adorable.

[nanila]

The tits are little balls of squabbly floof. <3

[turlough]

I think this is a great photo! It's so dynamic and full of life!

Bullfinches are awesome! They always look so serious and imposing :-) I hope you'll manage to capture some even better photos of this one.

Long-tailed tits are the cutest!

[nanila]

Thank you! I hope we continue to see the bullfinch. I'm really pleased we have them in the area.

[dhampyresa]

Pretty birds! That bluetit is upside down :o

[nanila]

Apparently it's an optimal position for pulling peanuts out of the feeder, because they do it a lot!

[peripety]

The bullfinch is a beauty, indeed!

[nanila]

Yes! So distinctive. And distinguished in bearing.

[cesy]

So great!

[nanila]

Thank you!