Watercress Local Nature Reserve, St Albans - 17th February 2022

My first visit to this small site as I heard it is a very good place for Lesser Redpoll and Bullfinch. I could hear lots of Siskins high up in the Alder trees, and a steady stream were coming down to take their turn on the feeders.

Other common birds were in evidence, such as this Blue Tit.

Chaffinch

Greenfinch were much scarcer, but a nice male did put in an appearance.

The resident Robin was quite shy!

Sadly, the Bullfinch only showed briefly and I managed one shot of a smart male.

However, the good news was that there was a good flock of Lesser Redpolls that again allowed close shots as they waited their turn for the feeder.

There was the occasional altercation with a Siskin!

And finally, my heart rate increased when this individual arrived. Thoughts of an Arctic Redpoll, but it appears to be an aberrant Lesser Repoll.

A very good couple of hours in a tranquil spot.