Waxwings in Lancaster

March 7, 2010:
Waxwings have invaded the country in huge numbers this winter and without doubt must be the most frequently reported bird at the moment. Very soon though they will be returning to Scandinavia so it was pleasing to see a small flock of about 20 birds today on the outskirts of the city.



They were perched towards the top of a very large poplar tree and were feeding on something different to their normal diet of berries. The tree was just coming into bud so presumably insects were present and attracting the Waxwings' attention.

Another view through the window

December 26-28, 2010:
Continued hard weather brought more new birds to the garden. A single Redwing was the first one seen here since last winter......


............but wasn't made welcome by the more aggressive of the sixteen resident Blackbirds.


Perhaps the greatest surprise was the Waxwing attracted by the apples.





A fine male Bullfinch paid a short visit to seed put out under the protection of the feeder cage



In addition there was a large number of House Sparrows, several Starlings, three Robins, three Collared Doves, a Wood Pigeon, the usual three Tit species, several Chaffinches, a Jackdaw and, yet an other surprise...four Pheasants.

Reed Buntings, Song Thrushes, and some more Waxwings near Preston

November 28,2010:
A short visit on a bright cold sunny day to Brockholes Wetlands was rewarded with sightings of many commoner birds, including Reed Bunting, Song Thrush, Bullfinch, Chaffinch and Fieldfare. However, a text message from Derek to say that a flock of Waxwings had been reported nearby on the outskirts of Preston caused the visit to be curtailed. Unfortunately, the Waxwings were in a very mobile flock and weren't where they were supposed to be but, when on the point of abandoning the search in failing light, about fifty alighted for a few minutes in a tall tree by the roadside.

Waxwings at Barrow, Lancashire

October 30, 2010:
There has been a large influx of continental Waxwings into the country during the past week and by yesterday this flock in the village of Barrow near Clitheroe had rapidly built up to about 80 birds with more joining today. They appear to be early this autumn because when last here in 2008 they didn't arrive until mid-November. As was the case then, the great attraction is the line of heavily fruiting rowan trees running along one side of the village street.




The flock tended to split and re-form frequently with birds settling to feed greedily in the rowans for only a minute or two before wheeling away to perch for a while in taller trees elsewhere. Then they would be back again circling the area with a rather fluttering, distinctive flight whilst deciding in which rowan to feed. However, although most trees had abundant berries only a few were selected, presumably the birds knowing which were at the correct stage of ripeness. Occasionally they appeared to take flies whilst in the air. Today there were masses of fruits but one hundred-plus Waxwings will soon alter this and then move on elsewhere.







In the bright sunshine this morning the Waxwings were watched by a small group of people and even a local House Sparrow seemed to be impressed.