Given that this winter has delivered one of the biggest waxwing eruptions in the North East in recent memory, we were feeling pretty disappointed that we hadn't seen a single one - until we pulled up the bedroom blind this morning and were greeted with this spectacle. Everyone seems to have a waxwing photo on their blog - so here are a few more...
A flock of about 20 were feeding on the rotting fruits of the crab apples (cv. Golden Hornet) outside the window, which had produced a bumber crop of apples this autumn. The birds staged a lightening raid, shredding the fruits for about 30 minutes before heading off into another garden ...... and they haven't been back. A magical half-hour, though.
A bird that looks permanently peeved....
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What fabulous photos and in your garden, lucky you.
ReplyDeleteIt really was a delightful surprise David. All the best, Phil...
ReplyDeleteWow! What a picture! The one on top looks like a Japanese painting. It must have been thrillng to see so many of them even if for a brief moment.
ReplyDeleteOh they are such beautiful birds... how lucky you had a gaggle! My list includes planting some good berry trees next season so I can see the wandering waxwings. They frequent many spots around me, but I don't have enough food for them.... gotta get on that!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant photos Phil. I have yet to see a Waxwing.
ReplyDeleteLovely to see them, they have been seen at many locations in my area, unfortunately not by me.
ReplyDeleteWhat an excellent bird to have visit the garden Phil. Great captures.
ReplyDeleteNice one Phil
ReplyDeleteHi lotusleaf, I think it's the best view of these birds that I've ever had..
ReplyDeleteHi Valerianna, Sorbus species provide plenty of berries for them but they tend to get taken quite early in the winter by other birds. The crab apples take quite a long time to siften enough for birds to take an interest in them, so are a useful resource. I've just planted another crab apple tree (this time with red fruits) for this very reason. Best wishes, Phil
ReplyDeleteI've only been lucky enough to see them on a handful of occasions, but never as close as this..
ReplyDeleteHi Roy, they can be elusive, can't they? Until these turned up everyone seemed to have seen them this year but me...
ReplyDeleteThose yellow and black wing tip feathers are stunning FB, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteHi Keith, all down to the wonders of digital photography and image stabilisation - not much daylight and I was down to 30th. second at 1000 ASA, so I delighted to get any kind of picture
ReplyDeleteMade my day Stewart!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky day for you Phil. I still haven't seen any...
ReplyDeleteHi Toffeapple, I haven't seen any more since this mob showed up.....
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