Waxwing sighting

[Neil Rigby]

Here's a test post to see how things may look. It has attached one of John's fantastic images.

[Kate Rigby]

A really beautiful photo. Where are the best places to see Waxwings and in what sort of habitat?

[clydebirder]

Originally Posted by Kate Rigby

A really beautiful photo. Where are the best places to see Waxwings and in what sort of habitat?

Hi Kate

Waxwings are an invasive species and turn up in the UK irregularly and in varying numbers, they often turn up in urban gardens and parks where there are supplies of berries (particularly Rowan and Cotoneaster) and also rose hips. This year is a good year for them and they really could turn up anywhere food is available.

The only recent records I know of from Kent is 30+ birds at East Malling, 3.5 miles WNW of Maidston in orchard just east of church and 8 at east end of Darent Valley Hospital, dartford. (today, 10 Feb 2009).

Cheers, John

[rebeltern]

Stunning photo John. What a gorgeous bird. Would they visit Ireland aswell?

[clydebirder]

Originally Posted by rebeltern

Stunning photo John. What a gorgeous bird. Would they visit Ireland aswell?

Yes they have reached Ireland this year, they have been seen this month at sites in the following, County Antrim, County Clare, County Down, County Dublin, County Waterford, County Wexford, County Sligo and County Tipperary

Cheers, John

[rebeltern]

Thanks John, I'm on the look out, good to know they're spotted in Tipperary, that's only up the road.

[clydebirder]

Originally Posted by rebeltern

Thanks John, I'm on the look out, good to know they're spotted in Tipperary, that's only up the road.

The latest report from there I know of was; 11 birds in gardens at Gartlandroe, Nenagh, County Tipperary on 11 Feb.

Cheers, John

[birdbrain]

This site is so informative, thanks. A few years back i saw a flock of waxwings in a housing estate where i lived in Livingston, West Lothian. I reckon there were about 20 of them stripping the berries from the bushes. I remember at the time being totally surprised but although i thought they were rare visitors, i reckoned they must be more common than i first imagined. So how rare/common are these birds? I'd like to think i'm a bit special and have some bragging rights

[bassist]

Needless to say i missed them all,,,,,,,,Baltic birds flock to Lancashire pub - Lancashire Evening Post

[Bishopswood]

Still a bird I've yet to see I'm afraid. They've been repoted a mile away from us but had moved on by the time we got there.