Quest for Hawfinches

[vinnychameleon]

Hi guys i am off 2 hav a look for some of these guys. I know it is unlikely ill see ne so i thought i would ask u guys for any tips you have concerning looking for Hawfinches. Thanks guys. Much appreciated .

[Deer Stalker]

Hi VC.
I usually find them by thier 'ticking' call & song (the song is a variation of the call with soft, short whistles in between the tics), very similar to a Robin but a bit louder & with a 'zip' to it.

Also they will usually only call from the tops of the trees as opposed to a Robin, who will call from lower down.

Although its a big finch they can be shy & difficult to spot. Mostly I only see them in the top half of deciduous trees (Oak, Beech & Ash).

Hope this helps.

[Deer Stalker]

Oh yeah......(usually) deep in the woods.

[almostnormal]

it might not help, but up near us we have a few knocking about and they tend to be in a massive yew tree in the churchyard. there is a big woodland behind the church, but the yew tree is definitely their favourite.

[John]

One of their favourite trees are Hawthorns. Try and find out what they look like. If you know an area where they are then finding Hawthorns could be a good starting point. Also don't ignore the ground around those trees as Hawfinch love rooting around in the leaf litter.

John

[Hobjob]

I am not sure where you are but Mundford / Lyndford Arboretum
is a good spot - they breed there at the North end of Thetford
Forest.

TL 817 933 car park - they are often in the trees in the
middle of the open field to the East of the car park

TL 822 943 car park and wonder through the arboretum which
is good for all sorts of song birds. Go over the bridge
to the above field.
Saw a lovely flock of goldcrest earlier this year.

Thetford forest also has crossbills - I'm told - never seen them yet



NB the arboretum is near Mundford, not near village centre of Lyndford.

[richardkm]

In Derbyshire, the Cromford Canal and Cromford church are regular spots, I've managed to video them there. They particularly like the yew trees in the church yard, but can also be seen high in the trees lining the riverbanks adjacent to the church. The Cromford Canal is also a good place for little grebe and occasional Water Vole.

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by Hobjob

I am not sure where you are but Mundford / Lyndford Arboretum
is a good spot - they breed there at the North end of Thetford
Forest.

TL 817 933 car park - they are often in the trees in the
middle of the open field to the East of the car park

TL 822 943 car park and wonder through the arboretum which
is good for all sorts of song birds. Go over the bridge
to the above field.
Saw a lovely flock of goldcrest earlier this year.

Thetford forest also has crossbills - I'm told - never seen them yet

NB the arboretum is near Mundford, not near village centre of Lyndford.

Yes, I agree .... this is a reliable location during December to March .... there have been up to 50 reported this winter (5 when I visited!).

Richard

[rlchew]

Originally Posted by richardkm

In Derbyshire, the Cromford Canal and Cromford church are regular spots, I've managed to video them there. They particularly like the yew trees in the church yard, but can also be seen high in the trees lining the riverbanks adjacent to the church. The Cromford Canal is also a good place for little grebe and occasional Water Vole.

I have never seen Hawfinch here but it is an excellent location for close up views/photographs of Little Grebes and Water Voles.

Richard

[Newhythebirder]

My tips into the pot from my experience....

Where I see Hawfinches they become more visible from early afternoon in the tops of trees - often Beech or Hornbeam, listen out for the loud ticking call. Best spots for me in Kent are Trosley Country Park, Platt Woods and Bedgebury Pinetum. Never that common but usually able to find them with patience.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Steve

[John]

I looked at my earlier answer and hadn't realised I typed in Hawthorn trees instead of Hornbeam. They are the favoured trees.

BTW if my memory serves me right Vinny lives in Devon and I think he is looking for areas in close proximity to him.

[aeshna5]

Originally Posted by John

I looked at my earlier answer and hadn't realised I typed in Hawthorn trees instead of Hornbeam. They are the favoured trees.

BTW if my memory serves me right Vinny lives in Devon and I think he is looking for areas in close proximity to him.

I thought when I read that John, I'd never seen them in Hawthorn, but they could be there I guess, but certainly hornbeam is a favourite.

[John]

Originally Posted by aeshna5

I thought when I read that John, I'd never seen them in Hawthorn, but they could be there I guess, but certainly hornbeam is a favourite.

It's old age mate!! I don't know what I'm saying half the time and as for typing things down, sheesh!! that's even worse.

John

[vinnychameleon]

yes John your right i do live in good old Devon . I was thinking of checking out Ide near exeter as i know there are some seen there. Thanks for all the replys guys .

[moonpenny01]

Its a bit of a drive, but you can see them at the Nagshead Reserve in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire.

[djackso]

Anybody know of any good places to see Hawfinches in or around South Hertfordshire?

[ChrisJB]

I don't know how reliable this site is, but Broxbourne Woods used to hold a few hawfinches in late winter-early spring. Try the clearing at TL 334 073, or park up near TL 329 069 and follow the path north to Cowheath Wood.
Other sites in Hertfordshire include Post Wood and Amwell GP at Ware, and also Walkern churchyard.
I have never been to any of these places, I just delved into one of my books which covers the subject of hawfinches in Hertfordshire.
Hawfinches can be a tricky species and you may need to put the hours in. Early mornings are best as well. If you ever get up north, the NT property of Sizergh Castle, not far from Kendal was excellent this winter and spring, with birds feeding as bold as brass in the car-park.

Regards, Chris

[RobinP]

Originally Posted by djackso

Anybody know of any good places to see Hawfinches in or around South Hertfordshire?

I've seen them in Benington churchyard, near Stevenage, but that was a couple of years ago, not heard of any reports lately.

[djackso]

Thank you both very much!

[Hobjob]

There is a reliable site near Thetford
PM me if you want details