Box Hill stake-out

A brief but successful undercover 'tea-and-cake' outing to the Box Hill Visitor Centre. There was a side-show of course - that of the Hawfinches. Due west of the cafeteria the steep slopes are generously clothed in Yew, and a couple of flocks (28 and 9) were seen to emerge from the plateau woodland and spill down into their favoured trees. A nearby bench was used as a handy hide, as birds flew in and out, one group of five being seen to fly out high and depart westwards. Much calling and much fun was had by all. 300m to the north a pair were perched up on prominent beech trees with a further bird calling from stunted Yews nearby. According to one of the NT volunteers, birds are being seen throughout the day in the vicinity of the car parks. Over the past two days I have seen birds easily (between 10.45 - 15.15hrs). Seeing as this necessitates little walking, they are probably the easiest Hawfinches to see locally, with the timing of the visit not being much of a factor.

Comments

Gordon Hay said…
How about radio tracking to find out these Hawfinches origins. I am sure you could organise a bit of crowd fundraising and hope that bill doesn't spoil the transmitter!
16 March 2018 at 20:18
Steve Gale said…
Good idea Gordon, over to you...
16 March 2018 at 20:20
Derek Faulkner said…
Wheatear at Dungie today.
16 March 2018 at 21:46
Steve Gale said…
Will hopefully see one on the downs very soon.
16 March 2018 at 22:12
Nicholas Foxton said…
Hello Steve,

I had a few flying over between Juniper Bottom and Zig Zag road on Friday morning. I met 3 guys who had had around 100 in Bramblehall Wood from 10.
19 March 2018 at 16:28
Steve Gale said…
Thanks Nicholas
20 March 2018 at 14:48
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