ID from rubbish description please! (1 Viewer)

Hi

This has been annoying me for a while because I was never quite sure...
In early summer I saw a small flock of finch-like birds on my local cycle path. It is described as a 'wildlife corridor' as it is surrounded by dense bushes like bramble etc, and small trees. There is also a smallish area with larger deciduous trees on one side. I have seen many species of birds in here before, but mainly LT, blue and great tits. I got the immediate impression of finches, mainly because of the shape and beak. They were quite plump, I'd say in between bullfinch and greenfinch, and were pale brown in colour. I don't remember any other distinctive markings except a pink beak, which is what really threw me!
I have an idea what they may have been (although it seems unlikely), but I'd like some other suggestions first please. (So that I don't make a complete fool of myself!)

Thanks

Why did you think they were not Greenfinches?

I'd agree with Jane that a likely candidate is indeed Greenfinch - young birds are basically a pale brown, rather than green and the yellow in wings and tail is not prominent.

The pink beak can be seen in this picture (but this is an adult male, hence the green colour).