Goldcrest?

[shivvy]

I have just spotted a new bird and I think it's a goldcrest. In fact after looking up my book I'm pretty sure that it's a goldcrest but I just wanted to share my new find! I don't think I had heard of a goldcrest before.

It was a really tiny wee thing, quite plain apart from the incredibly bright streak of yellow on his head (although it looks more orange in the picture on the rspb website). RSPB also says that the streak has an orange centre in males so should I presume that this was a female?
He/she was hovering under a window ledge, diving in for tasty bugs and flies I presume.

Is there anything that I can add to my birdfeeding that is likely to attract the lovely little thing back?

I'm so excited - it's lovely spotting new birds in the garden!

[ladybirder]

They are gorgeous, lucky you. Have a look at Firecrest if you're unsure.

[shivvy]

Oh, how lovely is the firecrest too?! Thanks ladybirder.

Definite similarities, though the one I spotted didn't have that much colour on his shoulders (do birds have 'shoulders'?!). Also I live in Northern Ireland and going by the rspb map I don't think I'm likely to spot a firecrest here.

[Prudie]

Lucky you shivvy. They are one of my favourite birds, really adorable and rarely seen.

[ladybirder]

Prudie I believe the goldcrest is starting to become a more common sight in gardens lately so that's good. Hopefully shivvy, whatever attracted the goldcrest to your garden in the first place will keep it coming back.

[shivvy]

Ooh - it's even more exciting if they aren't often seen!

[Prudie]

That is good news ladybirder. I have seen them in my garden very occasionally the last couple of years but before that only a handful of times in my life.

[chaptazbru]

Lovely little birds. Who couldn't love these little things ...

[shivvy]

I was amazed at how tiny and perfect he was - really lovely.

[ladybirder]

Have a little read about our tiny friend.

http://www.garden-bir...k/birds/goldcrest.htm

[rowanwitch]

They like conifers

but generally are not 'feeder' birds although if bigger birds are using the feeder it leaves more insects in the garden for the goldcrest

[tenrec]

I have only ever seen this bird twice. So small and so beautiful. You must be chuffed.

[gen2]

You're lucky to see one so close to home.
I've never seen on near my garden but see them from time to time in local parks where there is mixed woodland (Fife). A few years back I also found a dead one on the pavement of the road beside the park.

[rowanwitch]

lucky enough to see a small flock in a mixed group of finches and tits in a churchyard in Bangor like fat green bees

[ladybirder]

My son gets one regularly in his garden in Outer London. Lucky so and so.