A lone goldfinch perched on the ash tree

This year the goldfinches seemed to have had a very successful mating season. We always have them visiting the feeders but their numbers are increasing. 

In the autumn they often gather in large flocks, sometimes more than fifty at a time, perching on the ash tree at the bottom of our garden. They fly off together when spooked but soon circle round and return. These flocks are called charms, and I regard them as akin to the murmurations of other bird species such as starlings.

It was unusual to see this distant goldfinch alone.