In early December the number of Finches feeding in a set-a-side field at Flackwell Heath dramatically increased. The biggest flock was of Linnets with 500 or so frequently seen into mid-January and an estimated maximum of 1000 on 5th January. Also present were up to 400 Chaffinches and 250 Brambling during January. The latter species attracted quite a few birders from around the area an typically about 200 were present.
The Linnets would flock together and typically fly in a tight flock while the Chaffinches and Bramblings would often fly in and out of the crops in a long straggly line and they would freely mix together.
Brambling - A nice male
Linnets - A small part of the flock waiting to go back to feed.
Linnets - alarmed birds heading for the bushes.
Bramblings and Chaffinches - A small part of the flock
