The Hawfinch is not a common bird and its quite a treat to see one. The winter of 2017/18 saw unusually large numbers of Hawfinch coming into the country, so this was a good time to see them. Several have been sighted at Croome, but usually just passing through and usually in the tops of tall trees. However, over a period of a month I saw Hawfinches at least 10 times, all in the same area, so they were no doubt resident for quite a while.

They normally ground feed, but are easily disturbed so would only be found in very quiet spots, where there are no people (probably inside the walled garden). They feed on seeds and fruit kernels. The striking thing in their appearance is their large powerful bill, which they use to break seeds and even crack cherry stones.

There were at least three males, with bright colours (above) and at least one female (below), with more subdued colours than the male. I often saw them with a flock of greenfinches. They are quite large birds, and will normally perch at the very top of trees which means they will stand out from the crowd making them a bit easier to spot.

They seem to live in the walled garden and can best be seen in the trees just inside the walls in the south-east corner (not far from the Rotunda).