Added Hawfinch to my York Area list this morning, it's only took me 31 years! Birds had been recorded in good numbers nationally and Castle Howard Arboretum had to be a decent shout (Harry hindsight I know) to catch some of the unprecedented irruption, with its supply of Hornbeams. I arrived around 10.30 and immediately saw a few familiar faces. I paid my £7 and asked the lady if was guaranteed a sighting! I made the short walk and joined the modest admiring crowd. Most were grouped in an orderly manner BUT there were (as usual) a few commandos in the bushes. Fortunately the birds were high in the trees and distant. However, over the next 45 minutes I enjoyed stunning views of decent numbers of these superb birds though the 'scope. I shared the enjoyment with Craig Thomas, it was good to see him. We commented on the dire Autumn generally but this was a real bonus to be enjoyed. The sight of groups of this species bobbing around was something to behold. It was impossible to give an exact number but I would guess there were at least 50 birds present.
It was very dull but at least it had stopped raining.
For the record...
The trees along the road looked stunning...
A good decision...
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