Hawfinch

Description:

Quite a surprise yesterday, during our bord-countinng outing - the Hawfinch, even though common around us, is a rarely seen species; and some guide-books says it only approaches settlements during the strong winters. A biggest finch on the continent, well over 15cm - size of Blackbird, rather than the sparrow like most of other finches... Predominantly rusty-brown and buff, with black, white and grey details. The finch appearance, the size and massive head combined with a massive pale (winter colour) conical bill makes it easy to recognize.

Habitat:

Seen in the garden of a national monument, "le Château Voltaire" - a castle owned by François-Marie Arouet - French philosopher better known by his pseudo 'Voltaire". The garden has a protected forested part, containing old trees (oaks, beech, fir and spruce), and a small meadow inside; and is bordered by fragmented lowland deciduous forest and agricultural fields.

Notes:

Quite a surprise yesterday, during our bord-countinng outing - the Hawfinch, even though common around us, is a rarely seen species; and some guide-books says it only approaches settlements during the strong winters. Indeed, I saw for the first time in 2017 (https://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/19...), and the winter was not very kind... and I saw it twice this week.