Ever since there was word of a big influx of hawfinches this winter, I’ve been desperate to track some down; I had just such a chance to see one or two very close to my home this week.

I followed the Bird Guides map and came across a very knowledgeable local burder who was able to tell me much about what is the area generally and where the finches have been seen – he gad reported them first.

After a bit of patience, and a lot of looking at green finches, redwings, long-tailed tits and goldcrests, eventually one flew over. It perched in place that made it visible but too far bfir a decent image and it was also gloomy.

It’s laboured, heavy flight was a giveaway, as was the calls, which were also picked up by Merlin and us. Here is one of his wonderful images:

https://bsky.app/profile/nslbirding.bsky.social/post/3lcavbrio422h