Reed Bunting - Pennington Flash

When my Mum and Dad came up to see me a few weeks ago, I was determined to take them to Pennington Flash, probably the prime bird site in Manchester. It's also one of my favourite spots. You get such variety every time with such varied habitats. It rarely lets you down, even on a so called quiet day.
It was a cold wet morning (sounds familiar for this part of the world), but we were lucky, in that the rain moved away quickly and left us with bright sunshine. So with my daughter Eleanor in toe we headed for the hides. There was so much activity in all the trees and hedges. I couldn't have planned it better. My Mum picked out a stunning male Bullfinch, and I guess we could have gone home then as this is the jewel in the crown for her. I was so pleased she spotted it herself.
A few Redwings, Nuthatches, Song Thrush and Long Tailed Tits later we were sat in the hide watching an amazing show, as dozens of birds were feeding in front of us. Lots of different species but lots of Reed Buntings. I'd not seen that many recently, but there seemed to be a real abundance on this day. So while all eyes were on the Bullfinches and Willow Tits I looked after the Reed Buntings. A handsome little fellow.

The female.

The male.