I went up to Nag's Head on Wednesday to once again try to see a Hawfinch. I have made several fruitless trips to various parts of the Forest of Dean where people have reported seeing them but all were in vain. Today I was finally rewarded with good views of this lovely male. As an added bonus the Pied Fly Catchers have just arrived and I had excellent views of one so I've included some shots in this post.
Hawfinch
Pied Flycatcher
In this final photo the P.C. is scoping the nesting box with a view to moving in, but there could be trouble on the horizon as I had previously seen great Tit with nesting material actually depositing it in the same box.
Nice pics of the Finch & Flycatcher. Looks like drama might be on the horizon in that nesting box.
Unicum arbustum haud alit duos erithacos
(One bush does not shelter two Robins)
Zenodotus (3rd Century B.C.)
What superb pics of the Hawfinch and Flycatcher John. I've never seen either bird so a real treat for me.
Kind regards
Jenny
What a capture, I have not seen a hawfinch or flycatcher either John, aren't they fabulous looking birds, thanks so much for posting and well done on finally getting to see the hawfinch.
Lot to learn
Thank you M/C, Jenny and Gaynor for your kind comments. I had made many trips and long walks to try to capture a Hawfinch photo to no avail but last week I met a guy who gave me the right advice, which was to choose a likely spot, be patient and wait. Whilst waiting I also caught the Pied Flycatcher, so altogether a very worthwhile trip!
Congratulations, John--great shots of lovely birds. Any chance they will stay around at least through the end of May/early June? If so, we'd love to see them! What do you charge to be a tour guide--lol?!
Kind regards, Ann
Thanks Ann, they will certainly be around then and should be in the middle of feeding their young so hopefully even more visible. I'd be very happy to show you around although as with all unpredictable wildlife cannot guarantee the cast will appear on cue!
Thanks, John, I will get back to you nearer the time. With luck, your schedule, ours and the weather will all coincide.
What brilliant birds to get John and such close views of them too. I had my very first ever sighting of a Pied Wagtail just last weekend when I went on a trip with my local bird club to Padley Gorge in Derbyshire. My photos are nowhere near as close up as yours.
See my Flickr photos here
https://www.flickr.com/photos/115745582@N04/
Thanks Christine, they are really beautiful birds!
Coming from Cheshire I know the landscape around Derbyshire is really special, sounds like a great trip!