Hawfinch Returns

Following on from last nights post, our patience and gazing through the windows paid off... This afternoon the Hawfinch returned, we were ready with the camera and managed some reasonable photographs.

What's this then?

I will break it open!

We didn't notice at first but this time round he brought his mate with him...

Now Tim that's what we call a sighting and we look forward to more.

Another new visitor to our garden.

Yesterday, whilst observing the birds around our feeders, one flew down from the willow to see what was on offer. It had a enormous bill and was quite colourful and I had no idea what it was. Why is the camera never to hand when you need it?!

Elizabeth came to the rescue and I managed to get one shot before it flew off. Unfortunately it turned its head, hiding its enormous bill...

Can you see what it is yet?

We have to admit it was out with the bird books but it was quickly identified as a Hawfinch. For more information see here.

Looking at the RSPB site, linked above,  it looks like a male in breeding plumage.

We looked intensely for the rest of yesterday and also today but have had no other sightings.  In our bird book it says they like to eat cherry stones, so we will save ours later in the year to see if we can tempt it back next winter. (that is if we have any cherries this year!)