I was in the grounds of Scone Palace last weekend. Some folk had spotted the resident hawfinches, and Merlin identified their presence too ... but I couldn't spot any. Does anyone have any tips on where to look? Are they most likely to be on the ground or in the trees? Do they have a preference for certain types of trees? Thanks,
Dabsyp
They prefer nesting in Hawbeams. I hope spelt that tree name correct I might be able to recommend any places where you might see Hawfinches. What area in the UK do you live. Not towns or cities. But putting for example the area I live in North East Rngland. Quite a large area!!
Regards,
Ian.
Do you mean Hornbeam Ian?
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
https:// www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/hawfinch
This is from the main RSPB website about the Hawfinch. Hopefully this might help!
Yes! Thanks! They do breed/nest in one area at least that I know of in North East England that I know off. There may be more in North East England. Also in Cumbria there is a well known place in Cumbria where they can be seen. National Trust property. There are more areas further south where they can be seen in more areas. But sadly not as widespread as in my youth with long hair in the 1950’s/1960’s of which I have photo’s of myself with long blond hair, but now lost practically all of my hair!
https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/visit/where-see-wildlife/where-see-winter-wildlife/where-see-hawfinch
The above link from the Wildlife Trusts a little more detail about the Hawfinch.
Thanks. I'll go back and find a Hornbeam and a Yew to peer up into!
I do know the Hawfinch did breed at the RSPB’s Headquarters at RSPB The Lodge reserve in Bedfordshire! Whether that’s still the case. I don’t know
https://youtu.be/D8YL3cto5sU?si=Gs_zErRu99kizv19
This was a short video of a Hawfinch at the National Trust’s Sizergh Castle estate and grounds.