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.