Yellowhammers

Out and about at the weekend, birdwatching as usual!
I spent a little time on the farmland of south west Lancashire, lovely to see Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings, 2 species that are declining nationally at an alarming rate.

Yellowhammers are fabulous little birds and their sing "a little bit of bread and no cheese" was ringing all around me. Great birds and so colourful, bright sunshine yellow with fox brown chest...always a delight to see, but sadly numbers are decreasing due to habitat loss.

The Corn Bunting was singing too, not as bright as the Yellowhammer and sounds like someone jangling their keys, they are like a large streaky sparrow with a very large bill.

If you pick the right spot, you should be able to see these cracking little birds but hurry up before they are gone.
Both species can be found in the same habitat, open farmland with large hedgerows are favorite, they can be easy to locate as they both have very distinctive songs, listen out for that and you'll find them.
Yellowhammers and Corn Buntings both sing from obvious perches, so once you've heard one a quick scan of the area will normally produce a sighting.