It would have been rude to have ignored them? Difficult as it was barely light but I had a pressing appointment in the arable field. The welcome mat was not exactly rolled out...
But after getting in a bit of a flap, the Mutes wisely left them in peace :-)
There were actually three of them! The newcomer was pretty much given the cold shoulder!
A nice start to the day then and it was downhill all the way for the Pine Bunting hopefuls? Other than than a few "I'm not sure's" or "something that could have been" it was a much reduced number of Yellowhammers, Reed Buntings, 4 Corn Buntings and a single female Brambling on show!
Other than a decent showing at 8.30 the previous day (Wed) I don't know of any definite reports and it may have relocated elsewhere? It could still be on the reserve, there's plenty of habitat or somewhere else?
An update from the VP management team: To give visiting birders the best chance of seeing the Pine Bunting, the closure of the track from Car park to oak tree will remain in place until Saturday evening and if the bird is still not seen, the track will be re-opened. Birders are asked NOT to enter the crop other than the ride through it...
