Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla)

Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) in Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. February 2016. Not baited. Not called in.

I was on my way home with groceries, walking from the bus stop with my hands full, when I noticed a Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) on a branch. I looked at it for a few seconds and noticed two other passerines on the same tree that looked a bit different. It was after sunset, not much light at all but I could still see their black heads. Male Bramblings! This species from the Fringillidae family is often seen in winter here, rarely in summer. Unfortunately I did not have my camera with me, so I rushed home, dropped the groceries, took my camera, and went back to the same street as fast as I could hoping they would still be there. This is when I spotted this female Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla). Terrible conditions for photography but I was super glad to see this species for the first time. Wherever I am I always try to keep my eyes open, it often bring great surprises!

JAG