Waxwing feeding on rowan 11 December 2016 See the suppleness of the bird as the waxwing reaches down for rowan berries, balancing with its wings tips in an arc above its body. Its brilliant yellow tail feathers show left of those raised wings. A claw grips the horizontal twig from which it hangs. At rest in the high trees they sit demure. Feeding, the birds morph into assorted shapes to reach the clusters of berries. It's a question of taste; do you like a composed image or an action shot that might turn your bird into something unrecognisable. Here's a waxwing selection of acrobats and tumblers.
Up in the alder the waxwings are at rest. One of the birds fanned-out its tail feathers and I liked the translucence. You can see the yellow tip on each feather that makes up that brilliant tail. Next spring's catkins show on the alder, beside last summer's cones.
Monday 12th brings mist over the River Kent, a sunlit mist. The rowan is stripped of berries, its crop almost consumed. A sole waxwing feeds, and several blackbirds. Starlings have occupied the topmost brances of the alder tree. It's a look-out post, the highest tree hereabouts with excellent views over the surrounding landscape. No sign of the larger flock.
Putting together this series of waxwing diaries over the week reminds me that a diary, or a blog, is instant: of the day and written on the day. No time for reflection. No time for the craft, the structure that goes into a book. I wanted to share the experience whilst others had the chance of finding waxwing for themselves.
Putting together this series of waxwing diaries over the week reminds me that a diary, or a blog, is instant: of the day and written on the day. No time for reflection. No time for the craft, the structure that goes into a book. I wanted to share the experience whilst others had the chance of finding waxwing for themselves.
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