Saturday 10 February 2018

Godmersham Hawfinches

This year has seen an unprecedented arrival of the Hawfinch to the UK and only having seen a handful in my birding life, I thought I had better try to see some before most make their way back to the continent. News broke a few weeks ago of a small flock at Godmersham Church so during the past week, I have made a couple of visits to see this stunning finch. On my first trip, it wasn't long until I saw 4 birds sitting on top of a few distant trees and they made a few fly byes showing of their characteristic shape and call. I did obtain some nice views of them perched in Yew trees but due to the number also on sight enjoying this spectacle, they were always very wary and only provided a few photo opportunities. With the weather looking good this morning again with light winds, I decided on another visit and arrived on site at 7.45am. As I drove up the lane there was only one other birder there so I hoped my chances would be better of getting a few photographs. It wasn't long until I heard a few calling and like Waxwings, they dropped into a nearby Yew tree together and started to feed. I was on the wrong side of the tree for the light but not wanting to spook them, I go into the best position and slowly they moved to the outer branches where I was able to get lovely views through the binoculars and thankfully, a few shots of this attractive species. A while later, a car coming up the lane spooked them and they were off again but during the next 2 hours, I had a few more views of them as the numbers of birders once again started to grow. Other birds seen in the area included 2 Common Buzzards, 2 Grey Wagtail, 4 Mistle Thrush, 2 Nuthatch, 1 Treecreeper, 2 Coal Tit and quite a few Goldcrest in the churchyard. A few come within range of the camera providing a few more photo attempts but with the cold starting to get through, I decided to call it a day and leave for home. A superb birding spectacle and privilege to see these normally very scarce Kent birds and at last, I had a few useable photos of them to keep. With a week off work now, I may even return again if the weather allows it.
 
 








Hawfinch (male)


15 comments:

  1. Excellent set of images of this elusive finch Marc, and although the influx doesn't appear to have produced and in our area of Lancashire, there are regular views of a few residents just over the border in Cumbria.

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  2. Many thanks Pete. I can count my Hawfinch sightings in the past 20 years on my hand so was pleased to connect with this possibly once in a lifetime opportunity.

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  3. Very nice Marc and good to see you had a lot more sunshine than I managed on Wednesday.

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    1. Many thanks Bob. If only I could have had the sun behind me, these shots may have been better. Still, lovely to see them.

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  4. These are the best images I've seen to date,stunning photography Marc.
    John.

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    1. Many thanks John. Wish I was nearer and sun behind me but just enjoyed the experience. Lodged in the 'Hawfinch memory days.

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  5. One up on me Marc, I've never seen one in 80 years.

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    1. If you're going to change that, this is the year to make it happen. Search out your local churchyard and Yew trees.

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  6. Very enviable images, Marc! I hope you have a great week off work and the weather allows you to make the most of it. With my best wishes - - - Richard

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    1. Many thanks Richard. Hopefully out doing a bit of netting,birding and starting to prepare a few tanks for the season which is not too far away now.

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  7. Great going, Marc. Really like that final, backward glance shot!

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    1. Many thanks Lucy for your visit and comment. Much appreciated.

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  8. Beautiful Hawfinches Marc, standing proud in the trees.

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    1. Many thanks Bob. Stunning birds and a sight i won't forget in a hurry.

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  9. Many thanks Steve. A morning I won't forget. Lovely weather and birds showing nicely. Ticks all the boxes.

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