Rain overnight had cleared by dawn and it soon became another nice calm day. As I walked to Norwick I met Robbie and Micky and we saw a Chiffchaff, 4 Goldcrests, the 2 Common Rosefinches, 2 Chaffinch, c.10 Brambling and a Mealy Redpoll. Just as we had split up Robbie shouted to say he'd seen a Hawfinch in the roses near the bus shelter. Whilst elusive we eventually saw it fly around us, drop into a sycamore before diving back into the roses. Haroldswick produced a Robin, 2 Blackcaps and 3 Chiffchaffs. Setters Hill held just a Robin and a Waxwing flew over. At the School there was a Robin and 2 Goldcrests. We then met Micky again who had seen a Northern Bullfinch at Halligarth and we were soon there watching a fearless male and listening to it quietly trumpeting.
Hawfinch at Norwick
Northern Bullfinch at Halligarth
Seen previously on Fair Isle 12 years ago I'd forgotten how large these are!
