A Brambling ?? In Upminster Essex !!!

[Sahbster]

Never seen one before, but had an almost completely black head and the red chest ended in an almost complete 'bib' around the chest. White rump in flight. Was with goldfinches, blue and great tits. It was taking sunflower hearts from a 'lantern' type feeder which the chaffinches don't go near. Was there for a good five minutes but unfortunately somebody has had a post-christmas tidy up so I couldn't find the camera.

What is confusing me though is that in searching today on the 'web', it would appear that this is the 'summer' plumage of one ?

A couple of chaffinches turned up later, so I know it was definitely not one of them.

Can't seem to find if it would have been anything else, so any pointers welcome.

:confused:

[Shamal]

It sounds fairly good for Brambling, and I have seen some particularly striking males this winter.
regards,
Shamal

[jilla]

Lucky you Sahbster, any chance of sending it up north, I have never seen a Brambling where I live.