Bird migration isn't just large scale intercontinental which deservedly catches our attention. There's plenty of small-scale stuff. Recently I have been visited by a male Brambling - a close relative, and oft companion, of the Chaffinch. That said Brambling does not breed in UK; this bird will head over the North Sea to Scandinavia at some point. By then it will have a full black head. Perhaps my bird has been wintering further south and is gradually drifting north or another possibility is that it's favoured food, Beech-mast has dried up. Anyway, I don't mind. I'm just glad to enjoy this bird for some of the year. |