Brambling

Isn't this a handsome bird? I got a call to help a friend on his way to trap and ring migrant birds in Deerness this evening. He is licensed to do so and my role was strictly 'hands-off' but helping with nets, photos etc. It was the best session so far with yellow-browed warbler, chiffchaff, blackcap, robins, redwing, wren and- the rarest birds caught- two little buntings. They were the first of the species that I have seen, and I don't think I would have recognized them on my own. Although much rarer than bramblings- I have put the brambling in pride of place as it is so much more striking. The bunting is the extra shot.