Whos keeping an eye on me....

Wednesday 16 February 2011

In search of Hawfinch..... or Bfbs contribution to World Bird Wednesday XIIl

Hawfinch...... a finch with a stonking great beak. Scarce visitor around these parts and always a nice one to get onto your year list.  Easy peasy.... go to the Hawfinch stronghold, wait around for an hour observe the large finch beauties and duly add them to your list..... er not quite!

Only the day before a rather good count of 15 were reported in the stronghold of Cromford, Derbyshire. No problem as its only an hour and a halfs drive for me.... I have the day off, I can still be home for lunch. 9am until 11.30am not a jot.... half a dozen other birders are searching the area too... the light fades in and out as heavy dark clouds roll in, bingo... high up in the tallest tree 2 large finch like bids arrive.... 3 more, even better.

Damn the trees in front partially obscure the sight, four of the birds are obscured by branches, the other is partially obscured and also in sillouette, turn you bugger, lets see your beak!  Ok its the right size bird, its bulky.... its in sillouette still, I move for a better view...damn theyre gone....... that was the last sighting, now the rain starts to tumble... the light has now completely faded.... its tea time!

Its never meant to be easy is it..............

I did manage to get this rather nice image of one of the Little grebes that was on the local canal.


This male is showing off its breeding plumage and has paired off with a mate, and it was vocally defending its teritory from another male. About 100yrds further down the canal another pair guarded their territory.

12 comments:

Stewart M said...

Any post the identifies a bird by "having a stonking bill" is OK by me - and its true as well, they do have stonking bills!

Saw my first one in (of all places)the park that was being built on the site of the Consett steel works in the NE of England - that’s a long time, and many governments, ago!

http://payingreadyattention.blogspot.com/
Stewart M - Australia

Sondra said...

Well maybe there will be a next time on the hawfinch--hope so Id love to see it! Very sweet shot of the little Grebe!

Empty Nester said...

Oh geez, the best laid plans, eh? Oh well, next time and the shot you did get is lovely!

theconstantwalker said...

Time flies when you are having fun Dave. At least you got a tick for your 2011 list.

mick said...

Nice photo of the little Grebe. I got caught with rain this week too - it's so frustrating when the birds are there and you can't photograph them.

Anonymous said...

Oh yeah - sounds familiar. I usually don't see the birds that were reported and I go out to see them... Nice grebe though!

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

Beautiful grebe. We have those in Oregon! I hope you get your shot of the hawfinch -- and that I get to see it. We have a finchy bird called the grosbeak and I'm wondering if yours is similar (it has a, well, big beak, duh!) I am NEVER successful if I try to take a picture of a certain bird. It's always serendipity for me (but I'm an amateur birder AND amateur photographer, so am not disappointed.

Unknown said...

Great blog! I came here after you left kind words on mine. You have developed your photos skills nicely and I like that you use it explore other aspects of your life. Kudos from Texas!

NatureFootstep said...

I have never seen a Little Grebe up close. This is a nice shot.

FAB said...

I can relate to your frustration Dave ... had a similar experience very recently with a Great Grey Shrike. Lovely shot of the Dabchick.

Dave said...

Thanks for the kind comments everyone, however I must get out before WBW XIV.... Lol

Unknown said...

Nice shot!! Especially the over all colouring. Boom & Gary Of the Vermilon River, Canada.