Redpoll

Lesser Redpolls are seen more frequently than they used to be, and are found as breeding residents over much of the UK, and as winter visitors more widely still.  They are beginning to be seen fairly regularly at bird feeding stations, including those in large and wooded gardens.  We have had them at our feeders just a few times this winter, and today one has been present from early morning. Although it seems to be able to fly quite well, it looks as though it may have been injured at some point, and some of the feathers in its right wing are not very tidy. This may be why it seems fairly tame, staying at the feeders when other birds are absent. It is feeding well, though. I wonder how long it will stay? Like the siskins which are still present in some abundance, redpolls won't be staying in our suburban gardens through the summer, though we won't have to travel too far to see them.