The dark head and brighter plumage of a male Brambling takes some beating and a couple of sequences here to demonstrate their beauty :-)
The head will eventually turn completely black in summer plumage, pale fringes to the feathers creeate the spotty appearance.
Another individual with paler tip to the bill...
Again, stunning seen in close up!
It's not just about the rares! Might just spend a few more hours patch birding?