Goldfinch at Torbreck
March 17th 2010
Goldfinch at Torbreck
Goldfinches (Carduelis carduelis) are scarce in Assynt, but their numbers do seem to have increased in recent years.
This one was seen and photographed on 16th March 2010 by Mike Rochester in a garden at Torbreck, near Lochinver.
There are no known breeding records from Assynt, but if you know differently please let us know.
A. Summers
[EDIT 2021. This species is now a widespread breeder in Assynt with autumn flocks of 30 birds not unusual. Garden feeders are the most likely reason why the fortunes of Assynt’s goldfinches have improved.]
Assynt Bird Distribution Maps
Recent Sightings
Sanderling
Two feeding along the shoreline at Clashnessie Beach (Pete) (20/08)
Fox Moth Caterpillar
One at Torbreck (Cheryl Smith) (17/08)
Burying Beetle
One in a garden at Torbreck (Cheryl Smith) (12/08)
Bee Beetle
One in a garden at Torbreck (Cheryl Smith) (11/08)
Golden Eagle
One at Elphin (Pete) (11/08)
Scotch Argus butterfly
Four at two locations along Drumbeg Peat Road (Vince Hilton) (09/08)
Barn Owl
Hunting at last light, c. 22:00, Eadar da' sloc, near Lochinver (Michael Rochester) (08/08)
Spotted Flycatcher
A family group of three nested locally (Stefan Taylor) (04/08)
