Aussie Finch Forum

Went to the Mt. John Observatory for breakfast this morning. A few Chaffies and Sparrows about. We're in Queenstown now and were thinking of going to the birdpark here, but reads like it might be a bit of a non-event. A rainbow lorrikeet seems to be the highlight! Happy for someone to convince me otherwise. If only they had a Haast Eagle and a few Moa to hand feed...

Nice photos, and what a view.

Lovely clear pics and the second pic is stunning view.

Would love to see a 'wild' Chaffinch! Only saw my first captive bird the other day. Lovely views.

I've not seen Redpolls in any number, so not sure if the yellow on these birds is common. Footage taken yesterday near Dudley's Cottage, Arrowtown, New Zealand.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYf_Rb7JAPo

Isn't that a yellow hammer Sam. Craig

Craig I agree with you, the left side bird is a Redpoll and the 1 on the right looks like a hen yellowhammer.

Is it my deteriorating middle-aged eyesight, or do wild (& feral) chaffies look much pinker than the captive (browner) birds??

Tiaris wrote:Is it my deteriorating middle-aged eyesight, or do wild (& feral) chaffies look much pinker than the captive (browner) birds??

Hi Graham,this is my cock bird.
Jack

Both of the birds in the video had red caps and small blackish bibs which I don't believe to be present on yellowhammers. There were other redpolls with no yellow visible whatsoever. Also some with pinkish breasts which I presumed to be cocks. I'll check through the camera when I get home to see if I have shots of these to post.