Today, and a few days ago, I have seen a pair of yellowhammers feeding on the seeds I put out. The first visit to my garden - which is nice.
I always associate them with winter, when twittering flocks of them can be seen in the trees, decorating them like tiny gold Christmas ornaments in the late winter sun.
Many people are keen on the larger and more spectacular British birds - but I love the tiny ones. Finches are a really colourful family - from the perky pink and blue-grey chaffinch, the striking red, gold, black and white of the goldfinch, the rather thuggish-looking olive greefinch, to the lovely yellowhammer. The cock bird has a brilliant yellow head and belly, and a rich chestnut back with dark splashes, and a distinctive white stripe in the tail.
16/05/07 @ 20:34