Hawfinches in Yorkshire / Cleveland

[Pease]

Hi everyone -

Was wondering if anyone had any top spots for Hawfinches in the North? I heard Fountains Abbey was a good place to look for these allusive little blighters?

[Shrike]

Do remember reading a thread about Hawfinches at sizergh castle which i think is in cumbria , however hoping you dont mind i'd also like to extend the advice area to lancs/cheshire as well if anybody knows , this is a bird high on my own most wanted list .

[FUDGEY]

Almost a certainty at Sizergh, not that far from Yorkshire. If you need any help let me know.

[Jonathan]

Originally Posted by Shrike

Do remember reading a thread about Hawfinches at sizergh castle which i think is in cumbria , however hoping you dont mind i'd also like to extend the advice area to lancs/cheshire as well if anybody knows , this is a bird high on my own most wanted list .

You might struggle to find any Hawfinches in Cheshire unfortunately Shrike. The churches at Caerhun and Llanbedr-y-Cenin in the Conwy Valley, North Wales are possibly the closest spots for you. Woodwell at Silverdale near Leighton Moss used to be okay but isn't as productive these days. Seizurgh is twenty minutes further on but is very reliable. If you want to have the thrill of finding your own birds (much better!) try some of the valleys off the A590 in South Cumbria, I was watching up to eight birds in one such spot last Sunday. I've found hornbeam nuts, yew berries, beechmast and (currently) sloes are favoured foods, so search for them around areas containing these species. Hawfinches seem to favour areas of almost parkland-like habitat, containing mature trees in small copses and established hedgerows. Most importantly - learn their calls!

Cheers
Jonathan

[Shrike]

Thanks for the advice jonathan , think a weekend in the lakes this spring may be in order

[Pease]

thanks guys! Think a trip to Sizergh castle may be on the cards then!!!

[PMG]

Originally Posted by Pease

thanks guys! Think a trip to Sizergh castle may be on the cards then!!!

For the best chance arrive early in the morning before the dog walkers and coffee drinkers arrive at the cafe! Hang about in the car park and keep a particular eye on the top left hand corner parking spots, near the new kiddies play equipment/trim trail and trees on the opposite side of the car park to the cafe.

Pauline

[Pease]

Thanks PMG - great tip thanks!!