With a number of reports of good numbers of Brambling in the Blackdowns, I thought that I would go through the area on the way home. Well after 90 mins and having seen more Chaffinches than Starlings at Ham Wall, I gave up and went for a walk around Otterford. Well that was a dead loss as the lower pool has been drained as the dam is being repaired.

The walk back through the words was interested as I found an open log fire and a number of woodland birds but nothing more interesting.

Back to the car, stopped at Otterford Church to check the Yew Tree, just in case a Hawfinch was hiding. Sadly it wasn’t…. So headed for home and just around the corner from the church was a small flock of Brambling.  :-)

Hats off for those that spot these birds in the first place and report them.

cheers, Robin.

50+ Brambling on the Blackdown Hills near Churchstanton today!
By far the most I’ve ever seen together.

Pic of one here;

https://www.flickr.com/photos/92308738@N03/24570532098

Several Bramblings (perhaps 10) at close quarters today, amongst Chaffinch flocks, in Chipstable, just west of Bulland Ford (Challick Lane) in the Beech litter and trees next to the road

13-Nov-2017
Late posting: At least 5 Brambling, including 2 smart males, feeding in leaf-litter along the wide roadside verge at Alfred’s Tower, east of Bruton.