Bearded Reedling (Male and Female)

Trish and I went back to Leighton Moss and once again we were lucky enough to see bearded reedlings! We spotted this pair on the grit trays as we were heading back towards the cafe. We were the only people around at the time, and we were surprised to see the birds. I took the shot around 11.20 am. 

Males have black 'moustaches' rather than 'beards'. 

The birds eat insects earlier in the year,  but switch to seeds in winter. They take in grit to help them grind up and digest the seeds.