Bramblings at Sowerby Bridge

Peachy Steve got these superb shots of a male Brambling in Dodge Royd Wood on 5th January. The flock was feeding on beech mast on towards the Triangle area.

You can see how the the head feathers are black closer to its skin, and will give it the black head in spring when the grey feather tips wear off. This is a common way of changing colour in birds' plumage. It avoids them having to grow a new set of feathers.