As pondered last week, a Hawfinch appears to have returned to the regular spot in Romsey.
According to Ralph Hollins’ Nature Notes, one was seen at Mercer Way on 23 November. Ralph Hollins mentions the theory that the ‘cherry-like fruit’ in the trees that border the canal may be the secret to attracting these birds. Does anyone know what these trees are? And where can I get some for my garden?
[...] There are no reliable local spots for this species, as far as I’m aware, and generally the only records are of odd ones passing through, usually on the coast. It would be great to have a wintering party – somewhere in Friston or up at Abbott’s Wood, perhaps? If the food’s right, they’re not necessarily fussy about the wild qualities of their wintering grounds – take the spot on the edge of Romsey in Hampshire where several birds return each season. [...]