I guess I stand a better chance of seeing a waxwing in my garden during Big Garden Birdwatch this year than any year for ages - but I'm not holding my breath.
However, in this 'waxwing winter' I am sure that many more of us (even if it won't be me) will see these attractive birds this year. Have a look at the Birdtrack graph to see how much commoner they are this year.
There have been some lucky folk in previous years and below are two maps for 2008 and 2010 BGBWs. I'd be surprised if the sightings aren't quite a bit more widespread and more numerous this year - but we'll see! That's the thing about birds - they are their own masters and we are mere observers of their behaviours.
Just passing through Eastleigh in Hampshire and stopped in traffic outside the Ambulance Station.
In the bush next to the pavement were four birds that I and my wife had never seen before. Very colourful and feeding on berries.
Got home & checked & found them to be waxwings.
So they are as far south as Hampshire.
Great birds to see close up.