Male Bullfinch ( Pyrrhula pyrrhula )

An almost accidental blip today.  I was sat at the computer and occasionally looking out of the window.  I take part in the BTO Garden Bird watch that needs me to record the highest number of any species I see during the week.  As a result scanning the garden for birds is a regular time waster occupation for me.

I spotted movement in the Crab Apple.  Because of the angel of the sun and the distance I wasn't sure what it was, I thought male Chaffinch.  So I picked up the camera and took a few shots.  My idea was to blow up the shot to clinch the identification.  As you can see it wasn't a CHaffinch and fortunately it decided to fly in one of the shots.

Bullfinches are comparatively rare in our garden so I was delighted by the sight, more so when I realised he had a female with him.  As she is grey and black I didn't notice her at first.