Certainly it's eating into my birding, photography and generally getting out into the countryside in a major way. I haven't been able to really do much of any of these for about two weeks. Hmph!
So today I returned home, mid-afternoon, and had a quick look in the garden to see what bird action might be taking place. There was a lone Blue Tit eating from the feeders, and a couple of Wood Pigeons high up in a tree. I was about to walk away when I noticed a smaller bird even higher up in the same tree. I couldn't make out its colouring from where I was standing, but something about its shape and the way it moved told me it wasn't one of the regular visitors to our garden. All of a sudden, it was joined by about 20 more, and I rushed to get my bins. Yep, it was a flock of Goldfinches - my favourite favourite bird. Just a tad excited!! Of course I've seen loads of Goldfinches before, but never in my back garden - and certainly not in these numbers. I was able to get a few record shots, but that's all:
For a while I was hoping that they'd venture down to the feeders so I could see them close up. However, upon closer inspection it became obvious that they had plenty to feed on in the tree. Buds, I presume, or some sort of insect? If anyone can enlighten me I'd be grateful! As I said, I've never seen them in this garden before, and they've obviously found something delicious, which is great :)
So, that's my day made! Now if only I didn't have to go to work at 6:45 tomorrow morning, I could hang out here and see if they return...
