I've never seen a Hawfinch. I've have lived in the north west highlands for 20 years. Was very surprised this afternoon to walk into the kitchen, glance out the window at the feeders and see a male Hawfinch there! I see on RSPB and BTO distribution maps that this not a known stopping off point/residence for them but I wonder with the amount os snow we have had and the cold and wind that it is a strayed bird in passage?
Wow - thats some garden visitor and I think you are right about the weather having pushed it over your way - pop the record onto iRecord or contact your county recorder www.bto.org/.../county-bird-recorders
Cin J
I know of at least one place in NorthEast England where the hawfinchinch nests/breeds. Also one place in Cumbria where I know where the Hawfinch nests/breeds as well.Every year when Big Garden Birdwatch take place the RSPB provide a live online broadcast on the Saturday and Sunday of the Big Garden Birdwatch. On the weekend of the Big Garden Birdwatch in January 2022 took place with cameras all over the UK bringing live pictures of wild birds including RSPB reserve Nagshead and suddenly what appeared on the bird table at Nagshead! Well have a look from this link below! I’ve never seen Hawfinch in person myself! https://fb.watch/pGtp3mkRVm/
Regards,
Ian.
That's a fantastic tick for the garden, and such clear photos as well.
Mike
Flickr: Peak Rambler
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.