Not ideal, but it was here which is half the of my plan.
The other half was to obtain some decent shots, well today wasn't my day for this, the bird remained high up and in poor light, but I wasn't too upset its not everyday you see a hawfinch in full view. Lovely stuff.
This site is a regular spot for hawfinch in winter and I will defiantly be coming back again, I may even try again the next time I'm working over this way, but these marvellous birds are early nesters and may well be busy breeding and nesting by then.
Hawfinch are primarily seed eaters during the winter months, specialising in large seeds that other birds might struggle with. Hornbeam and cherry are two particular favourites, although they will consume a wide range of other food sources.
Although not much longer than a greenfinch, because of this heavy duty bill and associated thick neck, hawfinch appear as large, bulky birds. Their plumage covers a range of attractive autumnal colours, ranging through soft pinks, buffs, glossy blue-blacks, greys and a mix of browns, all finished off with a distinctive black bib directly under the bill.
