We have a good population of these in the Forest of Dean but they are incredibly shy and elusive, so photographing them requires a big slice of luck and lots of patience. Yesterday it worked out well and I didn't have to wait too long for this one to show in the local yew trees. The light was a bit challenging but I wasn't going to miss a golden opportunity for some shots! Check out that beak! Apparently they can exert a force of up to 150 pounds per square inch, which would be enough to crush an olive stone and is the equivalent of a thousand times the bird's weight! Click pic for full res version Hawfinch (Coccothraustes coccothraustes) by Steve Young, on Flickr
Fab looking budgie and a fine shot. I've been to Sizergh Castle a few times looking for them and seen nowt but a rustle in the treetops.
Awesome shot of a bird I've never been lucky enough to have a proper view of. Proper chunky finches. Top shot.
