Lesser Redpoll / acanthis cabaret. A&NCP, Nottinghamshire. 27/03/24.

A beautiful female Lesser Redpoll with a defiant stare!

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Lesser Redpoll / acanthis cabaret. A&NCP, Nottinghamshire. 30/03/24.

'ENJOYING A SUNNY INTERLUDE.'

This beautiful female Lesser Redpoll rested up and enjoyed the sun, whenever she wasn't feeding. Her tiny red cap shone when the light caught it at the right angle.

Redpolls are unobtrusive little birds, going about their lives in a quiet manner. I really have to search for them when they are feeding on Alder cones, high in the trees. They can be very acrobatic when feeding too.

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Lesser Redpoll / acanthis cabaret. A&NCP, Nottinghamshire. 30/03/24.

Though not the target Redpoll species I'd hoped to photograph, it was still nice to see a good number of Lesser Redpolls about. This individual obliged by perching in less cluttered places.

*The much hoped for Mealy Redpoll failed to put in an appearance, although reported the previous day.

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Common Bullfinch / pyrrhula pyrrhula. A&NCP, Nottinghamshire. 30/03/24.

This smart male Bullfinch gave an unobstructed view of itself, although unfortunately, the pale twigs in the background were distracting. As I don't see this species often, I gratefully took what was on offer!

Check out the bird's upper mandible - it seems exceptionally long to me. Comments welcomed.

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Common Bullfinch / pyrrhula pyrrhula. A&NCP, Nottinghamshire. 30/03/24.

One of at least three female Bullfinches seen during my time at a pit top feeding station. I visited hoping to photograph a recently reported Mealy Redpoll. Sadly, no show on that score despite two visits and two lengthy waits!
*There were the same number of male Bullfinches seen, each one never far from a female, so presumed pairs.

Although a great site for various finches attracted in by seed provided, it's difficult to make uncluttered images free from fallen seed or twigs. This is one of a few satisfactory portraits I thought worth keeping. It shows a nice catchlight in her beady eye and in an understated way, she looks beautiful.

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