Really good numbers of Reed Buntings at the ground feeding area- I'd guess 50 or so. Some nice variation in them too between the different age males at various stages of acquiring summer plumage and some tonal and saturation variation in the females.
Male Reed Bunting acquiring summer plumage with some pale tips to the head still remaining. That broad rounded tail indicates an adult male
Another well advanced male Reed Bunting. The tail on this bird appears quite pointed (a first-winter feature) but there doesn't seem to be any moult contrast in the greater coverts and the primaries have pale edgings so there is not a lot ware evident so that points towards an adult (a first-winter bird can show more worn juvenile remiges and rectrices, although it can replace all tail feathers). Ageing is not always possible and even sexing of Reed Buntings can be difficult in the autumn and winter.
First-winter male Reed Bunting. Looks like quite a few features here that point towards a first-winter male- moult contrast in the greater coverts, worn tertials and primaries and a very pointed tail. The head also appears to show a brown crown and not a particularly white collar or submoustahcial stripe which could indicate immaturity too.
I presume this is more retarded male that is still acquiring summer plumage. As the spring progresses those pale tips on the head ware off to create the more distinctive black summer plumage. Some female birds in autumn and winter can be quite male like.
A typical female Reed Bunting (above and below) - can't see much in the way of ware or moult contrast so I guess more likely an adult
Quite a pale looking female Reed Bunting- the photo isn't sharp enough to have a punt at ageing
Another female but one with quite dark ear coverts and crown stripe- not many ageing clues again
and another rather typical female Reed Bunting
Oystercatcher
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