We don't make it to The Lodge very often - it's a bit of a drive from our home on the Suffolk coast. However the repeated sighting of one particular bird - which neither of us had ever seen - made a visit a seriously good idea. Especially when there is always a chance of seeing a magnificent raven as well!
After getting tea and snacks from the shop we joined the group of birders who were paying a nearby yew tree a considerable amount of attention. Nothing exciting was yet in view, but I thought I'd snap this female blackbird:
This obliging robin was demanding to be admired as well:
Just then the bird we'd travelled to see made an appearance:
OUR VERY FIRST HAWFINCH!!!!!!!!!!
It stayed for a bit and then disappeared from my sight. Happily, though, another gorgeous bird appeared:
I'm always happy to see a lovely Nutty.
I was a bit worried by the red goo on the side of this great tit's face.
I managed to pick the hawfinch up as it was stuffing its face!
Wow. I've wanted to see a hawfinch for years and this absolutely made my day.
I couldn't resist snapping these riders.
A dear little coal tit.
The Nutties were spoiling me. I probably won't see another one for years!
Er........ the Twelve Days are next week.
I didn't realise The Lodge gets so many bramblings in winter.
What a beauty.
Another brambling, with a greenfinch for company.
Finishing with this expressive blackbird.
Limpy's snaps to follow!
Our herring gulls are red listed birds. Think about that the next time you hear some flaming idiot calling for a cull of them.
Wonderful, Clare! I've yet to see a Hawfinch so you are one up on me! I look forward to Limpy's pics (or are they already posted on another thread?!)
Kind regards, Ann
He'll be posting them on this one. It's taking him a while to go through them all!
Lovely snaps from your day out Clare, a beautiful find in the Hawkfinch, never actually heard of one. Look forward to Limpy's additions.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
certainly worth the long drive for those species Clare and well done on your first Hawfinch, they are such amazing looking birds as well as the pretty Bramblings. Poor Great Tit has Avian Pox.
I've not seen a Red-legged Partridge for about 4 years when a pair used to come in our garden, they have such unusual plumage, always lovely to see. Great photo captures one and all.
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Regards, Hazel
Very nice Clare, I have yet to see a Hawfinch.
Jim
My Pictures
My Fbook Group
Same here I’ve never seen a Hawfich. But fantastic photos Clare.
Regards,
Ian.
Finally managed to get through mine. I think I got a bit carried away.
"Birds are, quite simply, little miracles - and as such they require care and consideration."
Magnus Ullman
My Flickr account is here
Very nice and nothing wrong with getting carried away we have all done it when it comes to showing beautiful birds that we see Limpy.
oooh, you lucky lad Limpy, its great to see the Hawfinch and such good photos of them. What a good visit you and Clare had with all those species. Bonus to get the Bramblings too, another stunning little bird along with the regulars. Thanks Limpy, have a relaxing Christmas with Clare and family
Thanks for sharing your additions Limpy, that are lovely.