Finding Sussex’s breeding Hawfinches: cherry trees

As mentioned in my “Recent Sightings” post on 16 June, I’m trying to find out whether we may be able to increase our fragmentary knowledge of breeding Hawfinches in Sussex by looking for them in summer in cherry trees, and by looking for split stones under these trees (brambles and nettles permitting!). If you know of cherry trees in fairly rural areas that have plenty of fruit (many don’t), I would be very grateful if you could check for split stones (photos would be useful) and perhaps look for birds themselves. Hawfinches are feeding recently fledged young in Sussex at the moment and can be slightly easier to see at this time. Some are being found in cherry trees. Early morning is best if you are hoping to see them. If you can help, even if you know of suitable trees but can’t visit, do please let me know. Thank you. Mark Mallalieu, mallalieum@gmail.com.