Fyne Court, Somerset - Hawfinches etc

The news was out that Hawfinches had been seen around the Fyne Court / Broomfield area in Somerset. As this was a 'lifer' bird for us we just had to have a go at trying to locate it. In fact we had two visits in the same week. Our first visit saw us arriving early at Broomfield but alas we didn't have any sightings until late afternoon and then our first view at the very top of a tree. A distant view but wow it was a Hawfinch.

Our second visit saw a couple of fleeting Hawfinches in the morning and some more distant views at the top of the trees. The afternoon saw 2 Hawfinches come in a little closer to feed off a Yew tree, I located them whilst searching for a Brambling that other folk were looking at. We never did see the Brambling! Fellow Hawfinch seekers had also gathered and the camaraderie between us all was just brilliant on both days.  It's fantastic how nature brings so many people together. In between looking for the Hawfinches we took a couple of walks around Fyne Court and the Autumnal colours were just stunning. The area also was very productive for other birds including Marsh Tit, Coal Tit, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Tree Creeper, Grey Wagtail, Nuthatch, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Blackcap, Buzzard and Sparrowhawk.

Just have to mention as well the the Yew tree and its berries was a fantastic food source for a great variety of birds. It was both fascinating and captivating to watch the comings and goings of so many species.

   Good numbers of Redwings feeding off the Yew Berries

               

                  Grey Wagtail one of two seen in the woodlands

  First ever Hawfinch sighting at the top of a tall Leylandi tree

               

   Hawfinch, still so distant and the light was fading

               

                  Redwing 

   

               

                  Beautiful Autumn colours

   A stunning male Sparrowhawk circles nearby

                

   Very pale Buzzard

               

                   The Buzzard started circling with the Sparrowhawk 

   A Nuthatch got in on the act gathering Yew berries

                

                   Off he goes!

   Hawfinch at the top of an Oak tree

               

               

   Still distant but a prime view! 

               

                    Can you see me?

               

                   Top of the tree again

   Mistle Thrush

               

                   Plenty of Mistle thrushes around the area

  Charismatic Robin

                

                   At last a closer Hawfinch on the Yew tree

                

   Wow! Look at that bill

                

                

               

                

                

   Stretching up