What we've managed to spot over the past two days.
58. Yellow-crowned Euphoria,
Bryan
At last!...Hawfinch flying over neighbour's house at 9.30am, interestingly using the same flight path as the ''probable'' seen earlier in the week. No.75.
There appears to be a great number seen around the UK in recent days. I don't recall this phenomenon before....anyone else?
Sounds like a bird to be very pleased with, Bryan!
Thanks Halftwo,
Sorry, spelt it as Euphoria as opposed to Its real spelling of Euphonia. Very nice bird to have at the feeders.
The Euphonias in general though, confuse me, did it have a yellow or a blue bib? was the yellow crown this shape or that shape? Most of the Costa Rican birders I know can identify them out of the corner of their eye, so to speak. I on the other hand have to stare hard at them for a good while, preferably with several field guides on my lap.
On another note. Folks from the European contingent's continual referencing of the Hawfinch got my curiosity up so I did a bit of digging and no wonder, what a remarkable species! That guy is definitely on my “must see” list now.
In shape and size they look a lot like the Evening Grosbeak found in North America although I do think the Haffinch is a snappier dresser.
Cheers,
Bryan
I've a feeling it's going to be very difficult from here on in......c20 Fieldfare going East, no.76.
I thought that was an autumn grip back for me - how did you not get that last winter?!!
I've been doing a bit of a count of possibles left for me:
Whooper Swan
Mute Swan
Brambling
Raven
the last most likely. After that it's only rarities, and very unlikely extras, so not much chance to gain many more before the year's out.
All sound very exotic to a mid-European resident like me!