Sunday 31 January 2010

Bullfinch















One of my aims early this winter was to photograph Bullfinch, I have had a few attempts and earlier posted an effort but they were always too distant.
Today we were supposedly off to Top Hill Low but a domestic plumbing problem meant that we set off from home two hours later than we wanted. We drove to the western entrance to Dalby Forest (the Great Yorkshire Forest) but yesterday' s snow meant the warden saying you could only drive to the visitors centre and we wanted to go beyond that so we came back out and drove to Snainton and up to Troutsdale where there is a parking area and forest path.

A short walk found this male Bullfinch who we tracked along the hedge line, usually hidden but close on occasions. The pictures seem blemished by moving foliage but probably my best of the species to date so don't always be despondent when things conspire against you, you never no what result you might get.

8 comments:

Chris said...

Hi Mike,
I'm happy you managed to get it... They are quite shy bird... I've seen very few of them but never managed to get close even if I tried hard... This shots are beautiful! and the background and environment is very nice around!!!

East Ayton Birding said...

Nice shots in the snow Mike, always smart birds to see.

Bob Bushell said...

A beautiful Bullfinch. I keep trying to get him on the blog, but he is a long way, or hidden behind a bush.

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

The snow makes for a nice scene with the beautiful colours of the bird Chris.
Very smart indeed Dave.
Keep tracking him Bob one day you will get lucky like me.

Linda Yarrow said...

lovely pictures of the Bullfinch, especially against the snow.

Michael Flowers said...

Hi Mike,

Just to let you know that the Woodcock hasn't appeared at Tophill since the recent snow, but may well come back once that's gone. There was a flock of 6 (5 male) Bullfinches at the Yorks Water works entrance at Tophill on Thurs, so worth checking & you may manage a shot from the comfort of the car, as I did! Hope you got the plumbing sorted!

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Thanks Lyn.
I was sorry not to get to Tophill Michael the plumbing problem was not too bad a shreaded washer and of course that difficult to get to stop tap was made up. However, I got a plumber through a neighbour who did the business and charged _ _ _ wait for it £15!!!!

Anonymous said...

Superb photos Mike absolutely superb.
I should be so lucky.