We had to look this one up! Do you know what it is?
So Granny G was enjoying watching our bird feeder in Clachaig when she got very excited as had spotted a new species on the feeder. She tried to get me to come and look however, I was beavering away in the garden & to be honest, I thought she was seeing things as I had not seen any new species recently.
When she explained what she had seen, I was like yep, trip to spec savers is needed. 🔎
Wee bird with red/pink on its head 🙄 She attempted to get a picture of it on her phone but the image was too blurry.
When I did come to look, this 'new' species was no where to be seen! So I didn't believe her.
A few hours later I had to eat my words and apologise as YES, we have got another NEW SPECIES!
To be honest I couldn't believe my eyes as it was a strange looking bird, rather like a brown siskin, but with this red/pink hat on. It was like a wee acrobat enjoying hanging up side down and standing its ground and pushing the others of the feeder. It also appeared to have a mate, who was not as brave keeping in the bushes.
After a good ol google, we found this bird to be a Lesser Red Pol.
The joy of seeing this new species for us was amazing and especially as it is listed red with the song bird survival.
https://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/lesser-redpollhttps://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/lesser-redpoll
It's strange as one of our regular bird feeders, also mentioned to me that they had a new species enjoying the Johnson & Jeff Summer Blend mix seed. When I went back to her and ask again the name of the new species it was also a Lesser Red Pol. Perhaps it is the time of year (End April/Beginning May) or they have heard through the song bird grape vine about the high quality bird feed we have been providing locally in Argyll.
Moral of the post, always listen to Granny and keep feeding the birds they need our continued support.