Bramblings? (1 Viewer)

[boznia]

I have never seen a Brambling and always spend time hunting the local fields for them. Well today I may have had some success.

There was a flock of about 20 birds in a field next to the car park at RSPB Fowlmere. The flock was tight when they flew and there was a definite reddish tinge to them in the air. They were hanging around with a large flock of Fieldfare - is this common?

I did'nt really get a good look at them on the ground as they were always hidden behind the earth and I had no scope with me.

They were certainly the right size. Has anyone else seen them amongst fieldfares?

Ben

 

[dan pointon]

Hi Ben,

Sound more like Redwing to me, Brambling would usually be found with other finches such as Chaffinches etc. Thrushes usually hang around with other thrushes, hence why your birds were probably Redwing.

Cheers

 

[boznia]

Hi Ben,

Sound more like Redwing to me, Brambling would usually be found with other finches such as Chaffinches etc. Thrushes usually hang around with other thrushes, hence why your birds were probably Redwing.

Cheers

They were not thrush size and although redwing are smaller than fieldfare, these fellas were definitely finch size.

I can't think what else flocks in ploughed fields that might have a reddish tinge ( other than chaffinches of course )

Thanks for the reply.

Ben

 

[Tri-Counties Birder]

Bramblings are more orange than red. Male Chaffinches can sometimes be quite bright pink, even at this time of year.

Sean F

 

[Klant]

The thing to go for is the white diamond shaped area on their upper butts

 

[Capercaillie71]

The thing to go for is the white diamond shaped area on their upper butts

Yep, the white rump is a definite give-away

 

[JANJ]

So here´s some Bramlings, if you don´t have field guide,

http://oiseau.digi.free.fr/win_espece/Pinson_du_nord.htm

JanJ

 

[harr1y]

I would be inclined to agree with the fact that it was probably redwing you saw

 

[Darrell Clegg]

I can't think what else flocks in ploughed fields that might have a reddish tinge ( other than chaffinches of course )

Thanks for the reply.

Ben

Linnet is another possibility

Darrell

 

[boznia]

Linnet is another possibility

Darrell

Are'nt Linnets more pinky?

I have seen Linnets before and successfully ID'd them. However the light was going at 3-4pm yesterday so it could well have been.

Perhaps I am just seeing what I wanted to see. Although there had been a report of a large flock of Brambling at Fowlmere towards the end of January so they have been about. No Linnet sightings.

Ben

 

[Richard W]

saw a large flock of Fieldfare at the weekend, small flock of Chaffinch in with them so quite possible they would be together.

are more Brambling around here than most years but I usually see them when they're flying into roost.