As I mentioned before I went to Parkend today in search of the elusive Hawfinch. I started in Nag's Head and as I approached the little cabin that is their occasional visitor's centre I thought that, even though it was very early, somebody had got there before me. I wasn't until I got closer that I saw it wasn't actually a person but a thing, a monster!
There were a few of these scattered through the woodland - part of a student project from Cheltenham Art School -
Unfortunately I got no photos of Hawfinches there, I did snap this fox loping through the wood, record shot from a great distance!
And this is a view from the bottom hide.
Anyway back in Parkend proper I did get these record shots of a Hawfinch, unmistakeable with its giant beak.
There were too many photographers standing in a clump for them to land and one guy said that he had seen both Hawfinches and Crossbills up by the church, so I walked up there. I didn't see anymore Hawfinches but pretty soon saw a Crossbill and it was in a most unusual place.
Here's a photo of the St. Paul's church ...
and here's the Crossbill!
In view of the distance I'm sure you'll understand why it's only a 'record shot"!!
Here is another shot when it moved down to the pediment on the bell tower.
That looks like a good place for a visit. That's one special bird and your shots are pretty good for being distant and against a bright sky. I would be very excited if I saw a Hawfinch. Well done.
Cheers Colin! it's certainly interesting all around that area, you've got Nag's Head (Pied Fly Catchers in season), Cannop Ponds - often Mandarin Ducks, Crab Tree Hill - Great Grey Shrike and the Hawfinches and Crossbills!
That's brilliant John, so pleased you saw the Hawfinch and Crossbill, birds I would love to see and on my wish list ! the photos are better than record shots and I would be thrilled to get them on camera so thanks for sharing this lovely thread. Bet you can't wait to go back for another recce lol
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Regards, Hazel
John, Thanks for the report--record shots or not! Lucky you to see the Hawfinch and Crossbill--either would make my day! Now where can I see them in Surrey?!
Kind regards, Ann
Thanks Hazel and Ann for the lovely comments.
I've got to admit I've been to Parkend before to try to catch Hawfinches and been to the exact spot where I saw them on Saturday with no luck. it was having other birders around to point me in the right direction that made all the difference! There were some who'd come all the way from Nuneaton just to see a Hawfinch - which is a fair old drive. Now that I've 'got my eye in' I reckon I will be able to get closer Crossbill shots next time and I've got a definite plan how to do that!
Ann apparently there were two at Bookham Common last week, I don't know if they're still around!