Bullfinch in the snow

With the so called 'Beast from the East' weather system arriving in Darley Dale yesterday I have not been far from home. 
This morning it looks like we have about 16 cm of standing snow and day time temperatures of -3 to -5 °C. I've put plenty of food out for the birds with many Siskin and a few Redpoll, which are scarce in the garden, putting on a good show. The Bullfinch however prefer the fresh buds on the hawthorn hedge which attract them in the late winter.

Bullfinch - male

Bullfinch in the garden

Although Bullfinch are widespread in the area, I usually see them feeding on the moorland edges particularly in the Autumn and Winter sometimes in double figure flocks. They are a scarce but welcome visitor to my garden at this time of year, feeding on the fresh Hawthorn buds.

Bullfinch - male

Bullfinch in the garden

Three Bullfinch, a male and two females, spent all day in the garden feeding on the buds of our Hawthorn hedge. 
It has snowed on and off all day and quite heavily during the last couple of hours. Prospects for a Wheatear tomorrow are very low I think!

Bullfinch

Bullfinch on the feeder

A pair of Bullfinch visited the feeder this morning, whilst they are not uncommon around the moors, I've seen as many as 18 together in the winter they are by no means regular in the garden.

Bullfinch - male and female