Lesser Redpoll - a rare breeding bird locally

 The Lesser Redpoll can occur in decent numbers in the winter and I have seen flocks of several hundred on occasion and have had them visiting the garden feeder in the late winter. 

In the summer, however, it is much scarcer and breeds only in small numbers, favouring new growth birch woodland.

Today, whilst close to Beeley Triangle I heard a repeated unfamiliar call which was reminiscent of Yellowhammer but proved to be a recently fledged juvenile Lesser Redpoll. This is the first time I've managed to confirm breeding locally although it is doubtless a regular breeder in small numbers.

Lesser Redpoll - juvenile

Lesser Redpoll - Bakewell

Just left the snow in the French Alps and back to snow in the Peak District! Whilst I was away Martin Derbyshire sent me a couple of nice photos of Lesser Redpoll coming to his garden feeders in Bakewell. They like Niger seeds but despite my best efforts I've never attracted them to my garden.

Lesser Redpoll (©Martin Derbyshire)

Lesser Redpoll - Carsington Water

A nice flock of Lesser Redpoll on Stones Island at Carsington Water has been present for several days and, helpfully, mainly feeding low down on Rosebay Willow-Herb seeds enabling decent views. There are at least 40, and with them there has been a single Mealy Redpoll although I couldn't find it this morning. 
The Mealy Redpoll is now considered a separate species (Acanthis flammea) from the British Lesser Redpoll (Acanthis cabaret) so it's worth looking for.
Separating the various species and races of Redpoll is quite a challenge, the starting point is a thorough knowledge of the structure and plumages of the Lesser Redpoll.

Lesser Redpoll

Lesser Redpoll - Beeley Moor

I seen Lesser Redpoll on most trips up to the moor, either singles or small groups flying over, but to find a flock of over 50 this evening and to have them feeding is quite unusual.

Lesser Redpoll