First Ever Linnet Spotted on the Belfast Castlereagh Hills Pram Walk

Here we are out for a Sunday night dander in the Belfast Castlereagh hills. It is a beautiful evening after a cool overcast day. We spot a couple of wee birds singing on the telegraph wires above us. I reckon this one is a linnet. ! knew they were about because I've seen them in flocks, over at the Billy Neill Playing fields Parkland.
This is the very first time I've seen them on our wee pram walk road.

[@mikedrown2721]

I've never seen a linnet until now Tom, thanks.

[@TomMcClean]

I've seen them in large winter flocks but never over where we live in the Castlereagh hills.

[@chirpsworld]

Definitely a linnet ❤❤❤

[@TomMcClean]

Many thanks CW.

[@shaunmckenna1923]

Hello Tom , I cant think when I last saw one nice that you are seeing near your place . Thanks Tom.

[@TomMcClean]

Yes I was surprised Shaun. In winter I've seen flocks of around 100 a few miles away.

[@edwardkingthompson]

I'm always amazed by the detail your camera picks up Tom, even fully zoomed!

[@TomMcClean]

Yes Edward I wouldn't have been able to identify the linnet without the zoom. It is brilliant. I think new iPhones have these super zooms as well now.

[@belfastlass3474]

Please call him Phil.

[@TomMcClean]

I'll ask Chris BL. Best wishes from the Belfast Castlereagh hills.

[@chriswardlow9441]

Well spotted Tom. Yes i think your right its a Linnet and i think its a male.

[@TomMcClean]

I was so surprised to see it Chris. I've never seen one round here. There were actually two of them.

[@chriswardlow9441]

Hey Tom, let's hope there a pair and your going to see a lot more of them.

[@TomMcClean]

When they are single or in pairs Chris they are hard to spot. They keep moving around from place to place. I don't hold out much hope of seeing them round here again.