Hawfinches at Bramfield Churchyard

6th January 2017

Bramfield churchyard has been a traditional site for wintering Hawfinches for the last several years although numbers scarcely reach double figures and the birds don't arrive until the New Year, normally the second week in January. However this winter, due to the large invasion of this species, birds arrived before Christmas and in much larger numbers with a flock of 16 being seen today.

They are normally quite tricky to photograph as they tend to favour the tall Ash trees in the gardens beyond the churchyard where they are fairly distant and often sillouetted against the sky.

But as always a bit of sun and blue sky helps to bring out the colours and improve resolution.

On occasion they drop down into the Yews in the churchyards to feed on the berries. This can be very frustrating as they can often be seen deep inside the tree, but in almost total darkness. However, with a little patience it is possible to grab a few shots as they pop their head out to see what is going on.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved with Bramfield Church for their interest in the Hawfiches and for allowing birders access to enjoy these amazing birds.