First winter visitor

Several winter finches visit the garden each year but I was surprised to see this one.  I generally expect to see redpolls and siskins before Christmas each year but I am lucky if I get a single brambling in late winter or early spring.  So this handsome male brambling was a surprise.  He stayed long enough for me to take a photo but may not stick around.  I hope the redpolls and siskins, which are usually more reliable, arrive soon.

Incidentally, the brambling's plumage is another great example of disruptive camouflage.  Although it looks jazzy to us it will be nearly invisible amongst the leaves on the woodland floor.