It is unlikely that the bird will sit in a well-lit spot for you

 What are the essentials to ID?

 I was out wool-gathering yesterday when I spotted this mass of colour:

Easy to understand why I gave this entry that title.

 

And then the birds gave lie to that  - must be "winter rules"?

 

 

Both sides - now! And the eyes are sharp and alert:

And away they all flew like the ...

lucky ol' bird