The Hawfinch

There was great excitement at Foxglove this morning as a Hawfinch was caught during our bird ringing session. This bird, pictured below, is uncommon and it is only the second time it has been seen on the reserve, the last time being 15 years ago. The bird was a second year female. Hawfinches live on seeds and berries cracking cherry stones and the seeds of hornbeam. You just have to look at the size of the beak to see that it has impressive 'cracking' power!

Other species caught by the ringers included Brambling, Lesser Redpoll, Reed Bunting and Siskin. The first Chiffchaffs of the year were also netted.

Elsewhere around the reserve there were plenty of visitors enjoying the warm afternoon. There were greylag geese on the lake and mallards on the wet meadows. Celandines and primroses continue to give a golden glow to the banks of the beck.

The discovery trail numbers have been given a fresh coat of paint so everything looks fresh for the spring.