Rob Pocklington, one of the National Trust Staff at Sizergh has produced a Hawfinch info sheet...
Why Sizergh? It is thought they are attracted to Sizergh because of the mature Hornbeams which provide their favourite food source. In late summer these trees can produce a good amount of seed which later ripens and falls for the birds to feed off. The birds traditionally also use the site as a courtship area (perhaps due to the food source attracting birds in). Sizergh basically is like a Hawfinch service station.
Where do I look? The car park is the best place to look for them. The café veranda offers a unique setting for you to sit and watch from, with the added bonus of a brew and bacon butty to hand! Telescopes can be set up with a clear view across to the play area. On entering the car park it is often worth checking the grass in the centre of the car park. Park on the left as you enter the car park and then walk down the wall side to the veranda (this avoiding disturbance around the play area). Birds are often picked up first in the tops of the large trees around the car park.
What to look for? They spend a lot of their time in the tops of the tallest trees around the car park. Usually they’re seen flying into the trees first then cautiously making their way to feed on the gravel on the car park bays and under the Hornbeams in the play area.
What time of day is best to look for them? Best between first light and 10am. If the car park is quiet then they can be seen later in the day around the play area and central area.
When? Late February and March is when they start visiting regularly. April can see good numbers depending on the amount of seed available and how cold it is. From May when trees are beginning to go into leaf they become harder to pick out. They are into the breeding season in May with the winter feeding birds dispersing to local woodlands.
How many Hawfinch’s are around Sizergh? This really is hard to answer but we have learned through radio tracking that birds use the site as part of a feeding circuit which probably includes the surrounding area to the west (including Grange over Sands) and north to Windermere. Numbers vary from singles to as many as 20 in cold winters. An average of 5 can typically be seen during March/April.
What do they sound like? They can be quite hard to pick out with other birds around. There call is a sharp ‘tic’, like a slightly harsher sounding version of the familiar Robin call.
Where else are they? The surrounding woodlands to the west which include Whitbarrow, Witherslack and Yewbarrow all have Hawfinch in.
Do they breed on the estate? It is thought that they do but to date no nests have been found. The garden has historic records of nests.
Will I see them on my walk around the estate? Possibly! They are seen out on the wider estate. Look out for them in open areas within the woodlands or along woodland edges. In Autumn/Winter they can be seen feeding in Hawthorn and Ash trees along Ashbank lane and Flashbank.
Can I get close to take a photo? Hawfinches are shy birds and can easily be disturbed when feeding on the ground. You can get photos if you sit still in your car and wait for them to appear under the trees. If you are wanting to get closer then contact me and we can arrange a photography session for you.
What happens if I see a bird with a ring on? Please report any sightings of colour ringed birds to National Trust Ranger Rob Pocklington,
[email protected] /07795090539, making a note of where and when you saw them. Colour rings fitted to the left leg and red with two white letters on. However, even if you cannot read the letters then please still report the colour ring.
What other birds can I see on the estate? Sizergh can boast having the following additional species to add from feasting on Hawfinch.
The river Kent – Dipper, Kingfisher, Goosander, Grey wagtail and Common Sandpiper.
Sizergh’s woodland – Great spotted woodpecker, Woodcock, Marsh Tit, Bullfinch and Nuthatch.
Helsington Barrows – Green woodpecker, Redstart, Spotted Flycatcher, Tree Pipit, Crossbill and Wheatear.
Park end wetland – Snipe, Green Sandpiper, Wigeon, Teal, Heron and Little Egret.
For more information contact
[email protected]
...It looks better in the attached Word doc!
