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Hawfinches
The 3rd winter of the Hawfinch project is approaching and with only 5 caught so far in 2005 compared to the 16 in 2004, it's been slightly disappointing.Ê On the brighter side, 2 birds were observed with 2004 colour rings, which prove the rings are not being clipped off.Ê
Another 22 birds were clearly scoped and were ringless, perhaps suggesting my count of 40 birds in 2004 was low, or they may have had a good breeding season - probably a bit of both as the 2005 count was nearer 50 birds. A new population was also found breeding a few miles away demonstrating the Scone area seems to have a healthy population of Hawfinches.
Do the same birds use the same territories? Do they pair for more than one year? Are they double brooded? And where do they go in September until their return in December? In the next few years if just one of these questions is answered I will be happy. The problem is the more I watch Hawfinches; the more questions seem to be asked.
The 21 birds caught is not a bad total and I have unashamedly taken a lot of credit from fellow ringers on how my project is going. Truth be know if it wasn't for an army of volunteers it would never have got off the ground. In 2003 after realising pulli ringing was not practical, and having no mist net licence I phoned around the group for help. Step forward Alan Barclay!Ê If it wasn't for Alan's commitment to a full time winter project, the outcome may have been very different. From December 2003 - April 2004 he gave his time (and petrol) free and also kept me in Hobnob biscuits all winter. These birds are hard to catch though and out of 17 attempts, Hawfinches were only caught once. But that on that one occasion we found 13 in the net!
Many other ringers filled in any gaps. Alan Leitch answered the call many times and eventually got that lucky break. Rob Campbell and Bruce Lynch were there though sadly a Hawfinch was never processed. The same goes for Garry Mortimer, who after so many attempts must be sick of hearing me say - oh well at least it was nice to watch them in the tree tops. Derek Whitton and I enjoyed catching a few, two of which were the most vicious I have handled, leaving their mark on both of us. And Derek Robertson put in a sterling effort. On his first visit he brought a model Hawfinch he had made from a boiled egg, a toilet roll tube, and some cardboard all stuck together with sellotape! He had the last laugh though; on that day we caught our first Hawfinch (though nowhere near the net with the boiled egg etc).
So as you can see, this Hawfinch thing has been a real group effort and for that I would like to thank you all. Not only the Hawfinch people but also everyone who has helped me to my C permit. All those who introduced me to Greylag Goose wrestling at the cannon netting, what a fine sport that is. At Barry Mill for giving me all the worst birds to extract. The Craigluscar episode - and everyone who laughed at my first attempt at extracting a Great Spotted Woodpecker while nearly bleeding to death. The Tay Reed Beds where Steve, Joyce and Brad made me blow on birds' bellies till I nearly passed out. No! I haven't forgotten any of you. And finally many thanks to Mike Martin who first got me interested in ringing. He too helped with the Haws.
This winter I will once again be putting my wits against the Hawfinches. If anyone 'fancies their chances' please give me a call. No catch is guaranteed though fine views of them are always enjoyed - just ask Garry.
Neil Morrison
