Last weekend was the FoTM monthly bird survey and as we set out Dave Ch. described the weather as 'dreich' - a good Scottish word for the overcast and damp conditions.The autumn colours were subdued in the poor light (as seen in my photo).
Soon after we set out I glimpsed a bird in a tall tree and saw a 'black cap' but then another glimpse looked more like a chaffinch. Dave then caught a sight of it and suggested female bullfinch. We were fairly sure that was the correct call and realised it would be a 'write in' i.e. it was not listed on the record sheets we use for the survey.
We knew we would be quizzed on our identification so were pleased when the light briefly improved and we had a clear view and she flew off showing her white rump. Later on as we returned near the area, I heard the soft single note call which bullfinches make - very satisfying.
There were still many robins (39) singing and calling, and dunnocks (20) were singing too.
A few tit flocks were seen containing - long tailed (23), blue (25) and great (9). Other notable birds were grey wagtails (2), little grebes (2), great spotted (3) and green (1) woodpeckers.
However, the bullfinch was definitely the bird of the day!
Debbie
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