Clumber Park?

[Sam_swfc123]

i am wondering when is the best time to go and see the rare Hawfinch at Clumber Park in nottingham? and where is the best place to go aswell to them? Do you think i will have a good chance of getting a picture of them with a Sigma 150-500mm lens?
thank you
Sam Winslow

[ChrisJB]

Now is probably a good time Sam, but go early for this species. I've never been looking for them at Clumber, but I've read that the best places is around grid ref' SK 627 746, by the chapel. Apparently they feed in the tree tops between here and grid ref' SK 621 739.
For the best photographic opportunities, I don't think Sizergh Castle, near Kendal can be beaten as they feed on the ground in the National Trust car-park. But it's a fair trek from the Midlands.
Happy hunting.

Regards, Chris

[darrenm]

Try and get there before all the day trippers arrive and the Chapel area can be a pretty good bet, also check the tops of the tall trees in the grazing meadow. Listen for the birds call and scan the tops of the largest trees. The views can be quite distant at times but have managed to get a few pics digiscoping in the past allthough they were not briliant. They seem to 'melt' into the landscape when the day trippers arrive and become very elusive. The Chapel area can also be good for all three species of Woodpecker and have had Lesser Spotted in this area at this time of year amongst mixed tit flocks.

Hope your mission proves a good one

[PMG]

Originally Posted by ChrisJB

Now is probably a good time Sam, but go early for this species. I've never been looking for them at Clumber, but I've read that the best places is around grid ref' SK 627 746, by the chapel. Apparently they feed in the tree tops between here and grid ref' SK 621 739.
For the best photographic opportunities, I don't think Sizergh Castle, near Kendal can be beaten as they feed on the ground in the National Trust car-park. But it's a fair trek from the Midlands.
Happy hunting.

Regards, Chris

........ and not to put anyone off but we've been on - must be getting on for 8 occasions - and never seen one on the floor at Sizergh yet - the nearest we got was behind the wall just as we were driving out of the main car park and of course it flew up seconds after the nose of the car appeared One of these days ...................