Birdlife.org is reporting what residents of the Zasavje Valley in central Slovenia already know, that for the past two months a flock of around five million bramblings (Fringilla montifringilla – Wikipedia) has been filling the skies, in a display ornithologists are calling a once-in-a-decade event. The sire describes the small yet multitudinous visitors as follows:
With its black head, orange breast and white belly, the small male brambling is a distinctive looking member of the finch family. This widespread, migratory species is a regular winter guest in Slovenia and is often seen in very large flocks of many thousands. But a flock numbering millions is a rare occurrence.
The last time a comparable flock was seen in Slovenia 2008/9, when a group of around two million was recorded around Trnovski forest, while you can see a video the current visitors in action below.
