Scanning the water for waders something 'not quite right' came into my view on my left flying along Back Brook at Willow height. Flying quite direct and fast it finally came into the open for the last fifty yards or so before hitting the bank of older taller trees above Godwit Corner. Stocky, and large for a finch, burnt orange in colour and with a gleaming platinum beak it could only be one thing even though i'd never seen one before in my life. Luckily I refound it seconds later up high in the canopy for another few glimpses at rest to confirm ID of HAWFINCH. It may still be there but I spent a fruitless three quarters of an hour trying to relocate.
All in all a good couple of days at Manor Farm. A flock of 6 ARCTIC TERNS last night as were three Northern Wheatear and the COMMON REDSTART still on the Ridge for its 8th day today (Chris Gleadell)