Waxwing feeding on rowan berries 6 December 2016 Waxwing: I could hear their constant chatter and I found them in the topmost branches of a tree so tall I was glad of binoculars. I listened through the flow of the river, the town traffic. Rowans heavy with berries grew either side of the road and volleys of waxwing flew over rooftops, and chose the rowan beside St George’s Church. By early afternoon they had stripped the top of the tree of fruit and bare stalks showed where the waxwing had fed. A bright morning showed off their colours.
Not every year brings a waxwing winter. I’d heard they were in Cumbria but the flocks follow food supplies and they strip trees and move on. The joy of waxwing is their confiding nature. Unlike fieldfare, you may come close. They’re acrobatic and rarely still when feeding. And they’re skittish. They don’t like traffic and each passing car sends them off in a volley over the rooftops.
Walking home, I was full of anticipation. Would my smartphone images capture the thrill of the morning? I might not have another chance of waxwing. So I grabbed my best camera and hurried back down to town. A few waxwing were still around, fewer, and although it was not yet 2.00pm the light was fading.
Next morning I was out early but there was a change in the weather. Fog was forecast, the day was misty and dull, the crop of rowan berries diminishing on their prefered rowan (they ignored fruit on the smaller tree) but the flock was up there in the tall tree where dog walkers strolled oblivious beneath.
Walking home, I was full of anticipation. Would my smartphone images capture the thrill of the morning? I might not have another chance of waxwing. So I grabbed my best camera and hurried back down to town. A few waxwing were still around, fewer, and although it was not yet 2.00pm the light was fading.
Next morning I was out early but there was a change in the weather. Fog was forecast, the day was misty and dull, the crop of rowan berries diminishing on their prefered rowan (they ignored fruit on the smaller tree) but the flock was up there in the tall tree where dog walkers strolled oblivious beneath.
Blackbird feeding on rowan berries. Waxwing sit in the branches of the tree on the left. Blackbirds are larger and less agile in feeding. Waxwing 18-21 cm. Blackbirds 23-29 cm.
On Tuesday, the foggy day, waxwing came to feed within feet of where I stood. Hanging upside down and with such poor light they didn't photograph well. I explored Back Lane- their direction of flight in rooftops volleys- and when I returned the flock was gone. A local man told me they'd been around for three days.
Wednesday morning saw rain and heavy mist.
A few days later I secured more colourful images of waxwing, closer to home. See Waxwing Diaries and Waxwing acrobats.
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