There has been a colossal invasion of Hawfinches in the UK in the last month or
so. Whilst mostly down south, there have been lots turning up in
Yorkshire in the last couple of weeks and it was only a matter of time
before some were pinned down in the York area. First, a small flock, now
numbering nine, were found in Gilling East and yesterday, 50+ were
discovered in Yorkshire Arboretum near Castle Howard. I hadn't seen
Hawfinches in the York area since I was a teenager as they have declined
greatly in the county, so the presence of these birds tempted me to
gather up Team Leadley and head east.
We soon found the birds, at first
showing poorly against the light and hidden in the branches of a large
Hornbeam, where they were quietly feeding. More birds arrived gradually,
and besides the usual ticking call, were also heard to make a rather
Redwing like 'seep'. With the afternoon sunshine peeking out, the birds
became more obliging. At least thirty were seen, but with many more over
near the visitor centre it was likely that there are 50-60 on site
which must be one of the biggest ever flocks recorded in the York area.
Some really creacking adults present, along with some drab juveniles
with very little black below the bill and plain grey lores. Nuthatch,
Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redpoll and Chiffchaff also noted, plus lots
of familiar York and Yorkshire birders!!
These two photos are of a juv. Much paler, drab beige in colour, with tiny black bib and no black around the eyes and on the lores.
Duncan Bye and Chris Gomersall enjoying the Hawfinch action
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