Waves of Hawfinch
are still being reported around the country and in the South they are regularly
appearing at sites that are close to home. I attempted a stake-out at the Farm
which has so far failed despite my efforts. The day six went through was a footie
day and I was no-where to be seen within the gates. I think it’s called the law of Sod!
This had also sown a
small seed that perhaps I had missed this torpedo like bird, amongst the early
morning Farm movement. A conversation with Pete Alfrey during a watch had put
my mind at rest on that one! He had the heavy artillery out that day too clock the
first two after registering the call on his sound equipment. The other group of
four were lower and closer so would have been well within my sightline. Pete
has the eyes of a hawk I have stood next to him on occasions when he has been
describing where a bird is flying and I could not see it even through my binos!
I took a trip to
Headley Heath this afternoon to see a few birds in action. There were a few
birders dotted around including Mr & Mrs Tank and Dibley from the Farm! The
wait turned out to be a fairly long one but I spotted two Hawfinch fly into a
tree on the opposite side of the valley to the Farmers!
Scopes were trained
on the birds with a concerted effort to get Mrs Tank a decent view of what she
had been hanging around for, for so long! In the mean time other Hawfinch had
joined the pair. The next challenge was to get flight shots in conditions where
the cloud had covered the sun and it was looking decidedly gloomy! Thanks Tank!!
Various numbers were
being mentioned as to the amount of birds present. The largest flock I saw was eight
birds. I have at least laid my doubts to rest. I have not seen any likely
candidates during my Farm watch. This species I have seen plenty of but my
patch has only had three records therefore there is no harm in a refresher
course elsewhere!
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