Not sure what this bird was

[bigbadmarty]

In todays icy weather I looked out of the farmhouse I was working on and saw a flock of about a dozen simmilar birds . The striking thing was their bright yellow heads - at first I presumed they were yellow wagtails but the lacked the tail movement and were abit too big . The birds were pecking at a newly seeded lawn but flew off when I tried to take aphoto on the phone . Someone has suggested they were Yellowhamers - I'm not sure if I've ever saw one - would this be consistent with their behaviour ? or is there an alternative ID ?
I know I could probably google this but I do like the personal aspect of AB !

[RATTER15]

did they look like these.

http://www.google.co....jN7T6mXFMnE8gPqy4HCCA

[cupid04]

greenfinches?

[bigbadmarty]

they were certainly darker on the flanks ratter - are they rare ?

[RATTER15]

Ive no idea to be honest, I dont see many in my part of the world.

[mrs.chappie]

Were they much bigger than a sparrow? Yellowhammers are small birds - only slightly bigger than a sparrow.

By the way, which part of the country are you in?

[Ouzel]

They're not unusual in rural areas - they'll even come into gardens in bad weather.

[cupid04]

yellow hammer, cirl bunting? Sorry, don't know how to send link.

[mrs.chappie]

They sound like golden orioles - males have yellow head and black wings, but it's unusual to see them anywhere other than the south east of England, and it's a bit early for them.

I think the most likely candidate is the yellowhammer.

[bigbadmarty]

I was in rural northumberland today mrs c
I'd also say they were bigger than a sparrow but smaller than a starling.
Just been to RSPB site - seems they're on the red list as they are in decline but like you say ouzel not uncommon .
Looks likely to have been Yellowhammers ; fond of seed , flocking in winter etc.
Anyway it was good to see them :)

[mrs.chappie]

Definitely won't be the golden oriole in Northumberland - yep, I'd agree, most likely yellowhammers.

[rowanwitch]

Yellowhammer is the only likely suspect... the males have fully yellow heads brightest at this time of the year as they are in full breeding colour... they are seed eaters so a newly seeded lawn is buffet time