At least two Hawfinches have been feeding on sloes and hawthorn berries along the entrance track to Nagshead for the past few days. They are such incredible birds and high on many peoples must see list. It has been a real privilege to watch them behaving naturally and even having scraps with Blackbirds and Redwings over the best feeding spots. Hawfinches are usually an elusive and shy species, luckily these birds have chosen to feed on bushes right next to a lay-by so you don't even need to leave your vehicle and get very close views. With the window wound down I could even hear the crack as they opened each sloe stone with those powerful bills! Huge thanks to Arron Roberts, one of our fantastic volunteers who found the birds on Monday and sent us the photographs below.
Hawfinch - Coccothraustes coccothraustes, RSPB Nagshead (Photo: ©Arron Roberts)