Waxwing 2nd Video added

Everyone must look at this what a fabulous sight. I am so envious.

We have had a number of reports from the Perthshire area, not all good news i'm afraid, some of them are being found dead, likey to be the result of window collisions, exhaustion or starvation.

If you are in an area where waxwings are turning up please do all you can to make sure they have food and water. Apples and pears spiked onto tree branches or hung from strings are a great addition to the naturally occuring berries. You can prevent bird strikes on your windows by fitting transfers onto the outside of the glass.

If you do see waxwings, please report the sightings on Birdtrack.

JudiM said:

Everyone must look at this what a fabulous sight. I am so envious.

I couldn't agree more. These shots are stunning and I am green with envy. Thanks John.

Great pics John,

we are getting a few reports in the North East of small numbers. Two and three birds been sighted at a time.

Hopefully I will spot some as the season moves on! there are masses and masses of berries. It's just a case of been in the right place whilst there is an abundance of food.

Supermarket Carparks and Industrial Estates are often a good starting place, churches and graveyards also worth a look. Places were Rowan Trees are laiden with berries.

Regards Buzzard

i have heard that supermarket carparks are good for seeing waxwings...but can someone tell me why?

cheers

jenn

Most the attraction is to do with the planting choices of the supermarket's grounds team, they seem to like planting ornamental trees that produce berries! The open layout of the car parks makes them very easy for any overflying birds to spot.

Have a read of this, it shows that some supermarket car parks are better than others! You can compare the spread of this years waxwings with that of the previous years here.

Hi John

I agree with the other members that these are stunning photos. Thank you for sharing them with us.

It's sad to hear that many are dying, but if they decide to venture South, I have plenty of food and water ready and waiting. :-)

Excellent shots John  .. get up to  Aberdeen if ye can we have 1000's of them stripping every red berry they can find .. Only got a couple of photos yesterday but once the rain stopps I'll see if I can get out for some more if the light holds. ... They are in the Other Waxwing thread LOL.

Cheers

AL

Thanks all,

I'm just in from shops, There is around 2000 in Perth right now. I will upload new video shortly. still grey and rainy here. by the way they are moving. I would say by sunday they will move south again. If these numbers are not all the same birds food will run out quickly and as the season is hardly starting yet. I would say look out every where. If you have a local patch with lots of berries especially in town or and industrial site. Keep a close eye on it in the weeks ahead.

I saw several hundred land on one large tree full of berries and carpet the ground below, as I entered the shop. Ten minutes approx and I was back out, the tree was bare and the floor picked clean.

John :-)

By the way cool shots on the other threads!!