Waxwings Galore

                                                                 Waxwings
Waxwings are arriving in large numbers this autumn. The numbers that come to the UK vary each year depending on food availability and this year looks like a good one for seeing them. Most sightings are on the east coast of Scotland as this is first land fall for them but they have spread to other areas. Nick Moran, from the British Trust for Ornithology, said: ‘Normally there’s a pattern of arrival. They are usually first seen in the North and East and they filter down the country. ‘This time they are everywhere above a line drawn between London and the Wirral – they have been seen in Kent and East Anglia as well as the Isle of Mull.’ The largest flocks, containing nearly 500 waxwings, arrived in Scotland a week ago.

Grey wagtails
These birds are usually seen in gardens in winter. They breed by fast flowing streams but come into more urban areas in the autumn. They are often confused with yellow wagtails which are summer visitors so its late in the year for any of these to still be about.

Land for Sale
The Governments announcement that they will be selling off forests has generated a few queries. We are keen to make sure the land sale doesn't adversely affect the valuable wildlife sites that the Forestry Commission own.

Starling roosts
More queries about where to see the large roost. We have also started to receive some about starlings getting into roofs to roost. Unlike nest sites, roosting places can be blocked up provided there are no birds still inside. But make sure you help this red listed species by letting them co-exist with you or by putting up nesting boxes.

Woodcocks and windows
These queries have started up again as migrant woodcocks start coming into the UK. They have a habit of flying into windows on migration. Any unusual brown birds with a very long bill in a garden is likely to be a woodcock.

Geese
As well as the starlings, we are also getting queries now about where to watch the wintering geese now they are starting to arrive. Sites such as Vane Farm, Snettisham and Loch of Strathbeg are good to name a few.

Sparrowhawks
Lots of sparrowhawk complaints and queries this past week or so. They are coming into gardens more in search of food. Sparrowhawks don't specialise in particular species, but take whatever is available and easy to catch. As a result, the most frequently caught birds are numerous and conspicuous, or are sick, old, weak or injured. The female takes prey up to wood pigeon size, but the smaller male does not often catch anything bigger than the mistle thrush. Although a plucky male sometimes goes for prey much bigger than itself.