After the Norfolk trip the family headed northwards to York for a couple of days with my folks. Two stunning, frosty mornings were spent with my Dad at Yorkshire Arboretum at Castle Howard where Hawfinches were in abundance. Feeding on seed scattered into the leaf litter beneath assorted clusters of trees, these finches allowed prolonged viewing. The first morning we visited the frozen lake first where Goosander and Goldeneye were the best of the wildfowl packed into the small area of water remaining free of ice.
At the Arboretum dog walkers and volunteers stocking the bird feeders led to dispersal of the finches into several flocks which made a count hard, I estimated 80+ Hawfinch and enjoyed lots of good views but the light was becoming hazy and none of the birds that showed closely stayed for long.
The next morning we arrived earlier and I counted 108 Hawfinch on the ground and then a flock of 40 flew over and up into the tall trees along the approach road. I have seen large flocks of Hawfinch before in Spain and Morocco but this experience was exceptional and unlikely to be repeated given the unprecedented influx this winter. A few Brambling were dotted amongst the other finches including a male in almost summer finery. A couple of Hawfinch came near and stayed and stayed to be enjoyed in detail. A fantastic treat.
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