The resident finch flock was smaller than usual this winter. The exceptionally mild winter and a good supply of food in the countryside had kept many birds away from gardens and feeders.
The regular finches, Chaffinch, Greenfinch and Goldfinches were joined by a few Linnets which had successfully over-wintered on the Whins again.
Although a resident species, Linnets often move to lower ground during the winter months but the winter was mild enough for them to survive successfully on the Whins again this year.
Other finches mixed in with the flock included a single Lesser Redpoll, Siskins, with up to 20 seen on 5/2 and a single female Brambling which stayed on the site until 3/3.
A number of Tree Sparrows also over-wintered and visited nearby gardens intermittently. 6 Bullfinches were recorded on the 26/1.
