Waxwing influx

We have had good numbers here in Shetland over the last few days - including several stripping the rosa rugosa fruits in our garden. Earlier in the week we photographed and sound recorded a flock of 40 birds in Lerwick. Listen to their delightful calls (my 4 year old thinks they sound like Santa bells!) and see some pix on my blog at https://hughharropwildlifephotography.blogspot.com/



Hope EVERYBODY gets to see these special birds at some stage this winter!



Hugh Harrop

Shetland

I have seen two flocks of around 100 strong each in Burghead and Lossiemouth.

I haven't seen any so far, i really hope I do though :)

These photos are from Dean at Argaty Red Kite Centre. Hope he won't mind me posting them but I think they're fabulous https://www.deanbricknellphotography.com/page11.htm

*this year any way

My first and only sighting was a few years ago, of a single one, on a rowan tree at school! Needless to say my friends thought i was a bit of a geek, but i didn't care it was a waxwing!

I was lucky to have seen a very large flock of waxwings in Blair Atholl in Perthshire at the weekend. :)

i saw 20 waxwing last sunday at work in nottigham

About 35 or so in and around Ballachulish, Argyll

Waxwings

We saw half a dozen last year but for the last 3 days this year there have been about 50 flying around the shore of Udale Bay, Cromarty Firth.

hi were up on the island that gordon buchanan is on in orkney and we saw a waxwing in our garden the other day



james

I have seen several in our garden in the countryside near Oxford. They were feeding on berries and also ground feeding.

Hi, whilst out in the derbyshire hills this weekend me and my girlfriend were lucky enough to see at least TWENTY wax wings all descend on a berry tree just next to us. At the time we didn't know what they were. After a little investigating on line we worked out they were visiting wax wings. Really pleased you and the team have mentioned them. Keep up the GREAT work Ash and Beck.

Seen around 100 waxwings in Baildon west Yorkshire today, they have been sitting in high tree tops all day and feeding on flying insects which they catch by flying up in the air and snatching before circling round back to their favoured perches. Got some poor pictures but will get more when they start eating berries.

The one thing my dad always said you could rely on to predict a harsh winter was berry laiden trees and the return of the waxwings.so we will wait and see

Over a 100 today in Keswick. Sadly chucking it down and poor light for any decent snaps.

Found a waxwing in Menston, Nr Ilkley, West Yorks. Unfortunately it had flown into the window. Able to look closely at feathers, beautiful. Hope to see live one next time.

We saw a pair of Waxwings, in our garden here in newbold on stour south warwickshire, they were sitting in a rowan tree. we also have at least 10 goldfinches.

around a dozen waxwings in the grounds of Scone Palace today in Perth

We saw waxwings in Finland last weekend at very close range in trees half empty of berries. The temperature was minus 1 with a small layer snow on the ground which stayed put the whole weekend. On returning home to Cockermouth, we have been lucky to see about a half dozen waxwings flitting about in the near by hedgerow and one perched on a house tv aerial.

We have a flock of Waxwings land in a tree at the bottom of our garden on a regular basis, this has happened for many years now. I live just outside Wakefield W Yorkshire. They are very pretty birds.

ps. The Finland birds were in trees and ground feeding too

I spotted a Waxwing earlier this week outside my East London home. Singing his heart out with his distinctive crest. Perched at the top of a tree with a flock of other bird which may have been Redwings. It was very exciting.

I saw a small flock of about 23 waxwings in Kirn Dunoon this morning. First time that i have seen them.

I saw 5 or 6 waxwings just outside Burnham Market in Norfolk earlier this week. Lovely birds!

I saw quite a lot of Waxwings on rowan trees outside the supermarket at Springfield Terrace in Dunblane on the 27th of October & then at Highfields (also Dunblane) the following day.

I live in Warwick now, and waxwing sightings are thin on the ground at the moment. However, I first came into contact with these gorgeous birds when I was 8 or so and we were living in Findhorn in the north of Scotland. My walk to school took me past a small cottage with a very large hedge at the front. In the autumn the hedge was always full of red berrys and, as a result, was absolutely heaving with waxwings. I was so entranced by these noisy, beautiful creatures that I would stand and watch them. They were so intent on feeding and there were so few people around that they weren't at all fazed by the tubby little blond child staring at them from no more than two foot away. (Sadly the teachers noticed when I was late for school as a result!) Memories come and go but those waxwings have stayed with me for 50 years!

Yesterday, 28 Oct here in Dunblane, a flock of about 15 waxwings landed briefly on trees next to our garden. They flew off after about ten minutes.

I saw a small flock of no more than a dozen Waxwings in trees beside my garden in Darlington yesterday lunchtime.

On Thursday 28th November a flock of about 200 waxwings circled my street in Rosemarkie, The Black Isle, and landed on the roofs of two houses opposite me. They were in the area for most of the day, but there's no sign of them today.

My wife and I saw about a dozen waxwings roosting in a Hawthorne Bush 5 days ago in the village of Spring Gardens, Nr Bishop Auckland, Co. Durham. This was our first ever sighting of these lovely birds.

We saw 1 Waxwing in Thornham, North Norfolk on Sunday 24th. We also noticed that 17 Waxwings had been seen at Titchwell RSPB reserve on the same weekend.

Saw 15 plus waxwings last Monday 25th October in bushes next to Castlerigg stone Circle , Keswick at 7.50am. Managed to get a quick grab shot that allows identification before they flew off. A great start to a brilliant day in the Lakes.

Friday 29th October about 30 waxwings in the centre of Ilkley. They were there from mid morning and remained throughout the afternoon on several large trees near the Moors Shopping Centre. They were quite vocal and were attracting attention from residents and shoppers.

my first sighting in bridge of don ABERDEEN. i have been in ABERDEEN for 20 years and have never WAXWING up here a flock of 50 to 100.what a beautiful looking bird.great made my day.

First saw about 20 Waxwings on Monday 25th in Corpach, near Fort William and they have been present all week in various numbers with about 60 in my garden yesterday.

Great to hear about all these Waxwing sightings! I've never seen one and have an idea that I might go out especially to find some tomorrow morning (Waxwings are one of my Target Birds for 2010 and as it's a bumper year I'm all keyed up to achieve my target!)! Does anyone know of a 'likely' place within an hour or two of Richmond (Surrey)? I know they're mostly North of here at the moment, but I just thought I'd ask. Thanks!

7 waxwings spotted in Colwyn Bay at 09.45 Oct 28

Seen around 15 to 20 waxwings on 25th and 26th October in Tillicoultry,Central Belt,Scotland. What a wonderful sight! Really enjoy Autumn/Springwatch

Seen flock of waxwings in garden Connel Oban, returned twice each day last week.

I saw 4 waxwings on a whitebeam in our garden near Spalding, Lincs on 25 October. They remained only a short time. A flock of fieldfares was also present.

40 - 50 Waxwings on a rowan tree in Greendykes Road, Dundee. They had stripped the top half and were starting on the bottom.

Got back from my walk to find another large flock on a rowan tree in next door garden, Dundee

I live in Glenelg in the West Coast of Scotland and i had 4 beautiful waxwings eating the berries and the apples i usually put out for the black birds, in my garden. They were there for, unfortunately, just a few minutes. It was lovely to see them and it really made my day. I was then rather concerned as the sparrowhawk appeared very quickly and frightened all the birds away. I just hope that she didn't catch any of them.

On Sunday 23 October a large flock of waxwings and starlings were seen flying over Rossendale valley in Lancs. We assume the constant circling and calling that was going on was to marshall those still arriving. They then descended on all the rowan trees in our local gardens and had a good feast. Trees resembled decorated Christmas trees, there were so many birds in the branches. At first we thought they were starlings. A lot of starlings landed in the garden to eat from the feeders and peck at the lawn, but soon it became clear that most of these were birds we have never seen here before - the sun picked out their silvery backs and white breasts, but we were not close enough to see the coloured details. Once they had finished eating all the berries they assembled on some tall trees close by and entertained us for a while with their calls - planning the next stage of their journey, perhaps? Then they flew off. We never saw them or the starlings again. It was wonderful to hear about them on AutumnWatch and to find out what they were.

we,ve had approx 30 in the garden this week in orkney

200+ Waxwings at bottom of garden in Aberdeen over last 2 days

Isle of Skye.

I just counted a group of 30+ Waxwings on the hawthorn bushes today.

Gale-force winds causing them some difficulty and making photography poor.

There were 60+ individuals earlier in the week , before the winds blew them away.Hope they will be back tomorrow as there are lots of berries left.

I saw a flock of about 50 waxwings this morning just outside Banff, Aberdeenshire. First time I've ever seen these amazing looking birds - great.

have seen several really large flocks ( 100-150) here today in Perth town centre. This is much earlier than we normally see them and in bigger numbers.

was out on a walk on ilkley moor 30/10/2010 and saw 70 waxwings.goldcrests are also on the increase.redwing and fieldfare seen as well.

Does anybody know the nearest waxwing sight from Fleet, Hampshire.

Thanks

alex

Around 30 waxwings seen on the edge of Ilkley Moor, around a mile from Ilkley town centre, at approx. 1.45pm Saturday 30th October. Not bothered by people walking past them as they ate rowan berries. A great sight to see. Only my third ever sighting and the closest I've ever been to them.

Waxwing numbers increasing in Ballachulish, Argyll. The flock has increased from 37 seen on Weds 26th Oct to at least 80 this morning (Sat) and another independant report of at least 100 Waxwings in the same village around noon. There's plenty of food for them here so we're expecting the numbers to increase further.

Saw my first one ever on Wednesday in Glen Isla, Angus.

Had them in my garden the last few days (Stornoway)stripping the berries from the tree.

check out pics, https://www.flickr.com/photos/10000stock/5131622532/

Had a flock of 50+ in our street yesterday feeding from the sorbus trees in the school grounds. I watched them on and off for three hours. Today they are still around, flying over the houses, making their distinctive call.

Keith Grey

Cramlington

Northumberland

Had 60+ Waxwing up in Longmanhill near Banff Scotland

Last Tuesday I saw at least 20 Waxwings in my tree in my garden. In South Tankerton nr Whitstable, Kent.

Had 19 waxwings stripping a rown in Gargrave (near Skipton) today. Neighbours had seen 34 doing the same on Saturday 30th October. Wonderful birds.

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spent around 2 hours today watching around 200 waxwings feeding on berries in the garden here in perth.great spectacle

Any waxwings been seen in or around rspb saltholme !! would love to see one

Being out all day today in and around Darlington co-durham no luck :(

At approx 10 am on Saturday 30th Oct, a waxwing sadly broke its neck on our patio doors. Have not sighted any others. Aberfeldy, Perthshire

At the weekend we had more than 1000 at Kirkfield, Olrig. There were still 600 at Castlehill this morning but most had disappeared west by 10:00h. Sorry to see them going. It has been spectacular.

We are at present staying at the Glen of Newmill near Keith in Scotland and on 25th October saw a flock of approximately 12 Waxwings in the trees nearby.It was a clear view and their calls were clearly heard.

We have had a flock of about 60 - 80 waxwings in our garden in Inverness, moving between 3 rowan trees positively stuffing themselves on rowan berries - much to the annoyance of the resident blackbirds.

Beautiful birds - and they look really healthy and happy!

we saw six waxwings on the line at great cressingham norfolk today.

i have been watching a flock of about 200 waxwings around Crieff in Perthshire for the past few days. This is the most I have seen in recent 'waxwing years', it has usually been 30-40.

Good numbers seen in Inverness, near Beechwood business park. First spotted ~27th October, and flocks of 100+ seen on Tuesday 2nd November. No signs today though and most trees around here are now lacking any berries!

On Nov 3rd whilst gardening a flock of 16 waxwings descended on the damson tree - stayed for about 1hr picking off the berries/withered damsons? at the top of the tree. First sighting here in our garden in Pitlochry.

Hello, I stay in West Lothian, Scotland. I saw a flock of waxwing's about 50 of them in a tree eating berries, while I was at work in a high school.

Saw 3 waxwings in a berry-laden rowan tree at Bamburgh in Northumberland on 3rd November. What a treat.

I had 40 waxwings this morning in a tree outside my house, in suburban Norwich.

A flock of about 50/60 waxwings outskirts of Muir of Ord (West of Inverness)1300 hours 7 Novemember. Mick

Further to entry 75. Photo's of Waxwings Muir of Ord shows at least 92 birds. Mick

100 plus Waxwings Yday, eating berries frm a tree outside my living room window, beautiful sight, they were here all day, trilling high in the tree to the left of my flats living room window, 20 or 30 birds at a time swooping into the sed berry tree, by 3pm they had stripped it bare. a first for me, and as i live on a very busy road in centre of Norwich i stood in disbelief when i drew my curtains back yday morning to see them in my tree so so close...i was a happy bunny yday...

We were so excited when we saw a pair of waxwings the other week - on October 25th to be precise .

They were in a tree on the valley side above Monsal Dale in the Peak District , 3 miles from Bakewell.

A lovely sight although their colours were more muted than in most books

Have been watching a solitary waxwing in the rowan tree in my front garden near Penrith Cumbria. It had been there for about 30 mins and flew away when I crept out to take a photograph. It is on the electricity pylon opposite as I type this. Loverly bird and quite tame.

I have been watching waxwings stripping my Cashmiriana Rowan Tree of its berries since last Saturday (13th November). They arrive in small flocks, quickly strip some berries and then all fly off together. Sometimes they simply go to very high nearby trees and sit there. I am in Culloden, Inverness. What delightful, colourful visitors they are.

I saw walking to work this morning in the kinmylies area of inverness when a flock of birds moving busily about the tops of the trees caught my eye. There was about 20 waxwings, my first ever sighting. Such a lovely looking bird, I shall be keeping an eye out for them from now on.

28 waxwings in Garden at Barrow in Furness 14/11/2010.



Never seen them here before.

On the 13th November 2010 I had a waxwing in the rear garden of my property near Evesham for most of the afternoon feeding off the berries on the Rowan tree.

Hi. Posting from suburban Edinburgh today 17th Nov. A flock of waxwings flew in from the east and cleared our district of mountian ash/rowan berries. A wondrous site! Absolutely beautiful birds! Two years since they paid us a visit.....come back next year!!

Rob

Finally seen some Waxwings - a small group of about 4 or 5 that seem to have attached themselves to a flock of Fieldfare who have been systematically stripping a large area of Hawthorns since last week on the high Mendips. I notice there was a sighting of 14 at Charterhouse this week, probably the same group, it was about 5 miles from there? Of course there could have been all 14 where I saw them as the Hawthorns extend away from the road and out of sight.

I shall be keeping an eye on them and try and get some pictures. They unfortunately seem to be taking their lead from the very shy Fieldfares and I couldn't get close enough this morning without them flying well out of range.



I was about to post this when I saw your question Jeremy - so the answer is, yes, close to Priddy on the Mendips this morning.

I live 4 miles outside Berwick upon Tweed and this morning I counted 53 Waxwings on the telephone wires outside my house,they had stripped every berry from my Rowan trees,have never seen this number around here before.

Was in Strathclyde Park today (Mausoleum side) and noticed 6 waxwings on the trees busily feeding. First time i've ever seen them.

Currently viewing a group of 6 or so waxwings eating berries that my 5yr old daughter noticed and declared them as a woodpecker. Great sight and never seen them before here in Little Leigh, Cheshire.

I live on Ramsbottom Road In Horwich Near Bolton. We have had a group of 25 to 30 Waxwings in the trees across the road for my house and I feel very privaliged to have seen them. They have been here since Thursday the 18th of November and are still here the did move up the road the Victoria Road today and yesterday but have spent most of today in the trees across the road from my house.

saw 100 plus waxwings on rowan tree in middle of dumfries beside a large car park. thats the first waxwing i have seen, and to see that many was great. date of sighting 18-11-2010

I have had 80 waxwings in my garden in Dumfries SW Scotland on Thursday 18th November which then ended up as 10 on Saturday. I managed to get some amazing photographs of them which made my year as I have never ever seen them before. Awesome.

We had 12 Waxwings in our garden in Burscough,Lancashire,England on Tuesday 23rd November. It is the first time we have ever seen them in our town. We live next to farmland and our garden is quite large with 8 tall trees. We grow plants and trees to attract as much wildlife as possible. We also have a wildlife pond that is visited by grey wagtails. We have various bird feeders situated around the garden and we feed the birds throughout the year.

Saw about 50 at Avenham Park Preston on the 22nd Nov, then saw another 7 in a completely different part of Preston (near Asda) on the 23rd Nov.

Saw a flock of about 40 waxwings on Saturday and Sunday in our garden. ML9 district of central Scotland. They were there most of the morning and looked and sounded amazing.

32 in Beccles Suffolk, Rainbow store car park today

This is a first for me, just spotted 6 waxwings in my rowan tree, i'm in caerphilly south wales. is it usual to see them this far south and west.

I can't believe what I saw in my garden today - Since yesterday a flock of what I now know to be waxwings have been coming onto mine and our neighbours garden attracted by the berries on garden bushes (I live in Sheffield). Today however I was just looking through the kitchen window and saw a large hawk swoop and set off pandemonium. One waxwing flew straight into my glass window as it tried to escape - the hawk then grabbed one of the birds and flew with it into a large tree in our garden and started to eat it (we watched this gruesome yet fascinating sight for about half an hour). My husband went outside and found a dead waxwing as well as another which looked to be in shock - he picked it up and cradled it for a few minutes. It then sat on his hand and allowed me to photograph it with my husband. It wouldn't fly away so is now in a box in the garage looking quite happy, but any suggestions about what I should do now?

Waxwings seen in Broadstairs Kent feeding on berrys so pretty.

Three waxwings on our garden Rowan tree, in Buckley Flintshire North Wales, so a few have got this far west.