Chaffinches can be found anywhere on the estate, although not as common as some of the garden birds, they are present all the year round. Good views can be had on the bird feeders, however Chaffinches are normally ground feeders and you often see them rummaging around in the leaves underneath trees.

The chaffinch is one of the few garden birds where the plumage is very different for the male and female (known as sexual dimorphism). The female in the first photo is a subtle yellow-brown, whereas the male in the second photo is a bright pink, with grey hood.

Something Chaffinches keep hidden is a bright patch of green under their wings. It is visible when they are flying away from you, but normally tucked underneath. You can just see a glimpse in the male...