Hawfinches at sizergh castle

[FUDGEY]

Im going there on Saturday to try see my first ever one. I ahve been told the car park is the best place and that if its quiet they will come to ground, also to put some sunflower hearts down. Any other tips would be gratefully received, thanks.

[captaincarot]

get there at dawn or there abouts once people turn up the finches tend to disappear

[FUDGEY]

Thanks mate, every bit of info helps

[The Woodman]

FUDGEY, I called in at Sizergh this morning and spoke to my contact there.

Captaincarot is spot on, dawn to 0730 is the optimium time. The place to see them is at the north end of the car park at the western side and under the far trees- that's the widest end opposite the cafe entrance . You'll drive in at the south end.

I took the image below from the cafe steps and I saw one finch at that late hour on the ground with a Great Tit in front of the Ford Focus, I think the driver was watching them, you wont have to leave the car to see them!

I'm also told that they'll be gone in 2-3 weeks.

There's no problem with access at that early hour, I was told the caretaker might be knocking about. Good luck.



Take a walk to the pond behind the castle, a few yards north from the carpark and you might see the great crested newts popping up for air!

There's some good food to be had at Low Sizergh Barn farm shop on the opposite side of the A590 to the castle. Low Sizergh Barn: Lake District Farm Shops in Cumbria, Tea Room, Kendal Attraction, Craft Gallery, Farm Trail, Food and Gift Hampers