Whilst working in the Gulf I missed out on the Hawfinch invasion of 2017/2018 when birds were seen across the U.K. in unprecedented numbers. Some 10,000 birds were recorded across the country, due to a failure of Hornbeam seeds – the Hawfinches favourite food. Hungry birds arrived in big flocks dispersing through the country and gorging themselves on many seeds and nuts from our native trees. This irruption was a life-time event and many birders were treated to amazing views of these beautiful birds.
The Hawfinch has got to be one of the most elusive species to connect with in North Yorkshire. I have not seen them for at least 15 years – so just seeing one in Dalby Forest last Tuesday 3rd March was a great thrill. 7th March …. Then to hear today, that there were 30 birds giving excellent views at Castle Howard Arboretum was the stuff of dreams. Frustratingly, when I first heard about the birds I couldn’t make the trip to the Arboretum …. fingers crossed, they would stay until tomorrow!!
8th/9th March … well after a sleepless night I checked the local ‘Bird Telegraph’ and YESSSS THEY WERE STILL THERE so the Twitch was on !! … I had two visits to the Arboretum on consecutive days and sure enough the birds remained faithful to a small Hornbeam copse close to the visitor centre. The birds were feeding in small flocks of up to 6 birds and gave stunning views as they perched in the tree tops before flying to the ground to feed on the fallen seeds. On my visit on the 8th March it was quite dull and overcast …. However today, 9th March the Sun had come out and the bold rusty brown and buff colouration of the male birds was very noticeable compared to the drabber females. As the birds flew up, their bold white wing panels could be clearly seen as well as their grey-blueish secateur like bills. Another feature that was clearly seen was their white-tipped tails and it was also possible to hear ‘tick’ like contact calls as small parties flew low overhead. A truly magical experience – well worth a 15 year wait!!!!!
