The Conwy Valley is one of the most beautiful parts of North Wales, and Llanbedr-y-cennin is one of the few places I know where you can see Hawfinches.
It was a spectacular experience. I stood in the church yard with Hawfinches all around me, yet hidden from view in the densely foliaged Yew trees. I knew they were there because they were ticking at each other like Robins, and occasionally one or two would fly between the Yews, large finches with short tails and thick bills. Suddenly the ticking rose to a crescendo and 10 birds flew out of a yew and away over the field. Yet still there was more ticking close by, and then I spotted a bird in full view at the top of a tree. It stayed there for 5 minutes before it and another 3 birds flew off, following the others. Overhead a pair of Red Kites displayed.
Year 144
Firecrest and hawfinch are right at the top of the birds I want to see! I'll be around that area at the beginning of June - are the hawfinch still around at that time?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Damian.
Yes best to keep away from the insane World of the Surf Scoter! The Hawfinches will be there in June and it will be certainly worth a look, but they're best seen at the moment because there are no leaves on the trees (except the yews!), and they are currently displaying. Once young are in the nest they'll become a lot more secretive.
ReplyDeleteThanks Colin, I'll have a look there in June. Congratulations on the Surf Scoter - sounds like you put the work in for it!
ReplyDelete