After watching the National bird news and seeing that waxwings were being seen everywhere, it was somewhat frustrating that none were present in Hampshire. However, this week a few scattered records began to appear and today there were even more. I had a bit of spare time later in the afternoon and so decided to go out and look for some. My first stop, in Stubbington missed them by a few minutes and so I headed to a group of 16 in Hedge End. Initially the birds were perched in the top of a sycamore tree, before dropping down to feast on berries on the only small rowan tree in the area.
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Waxwing ©T. D. Codlin
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As is typical for this species, they are incredibly confiding, and so it is possible to get some fantastic views, and great photos.
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| Waxwing ©T. D. Codlin |
I have never had the pleasure of ringing a waxwing, and for obvious reasons would love to. Ageing birds is apparently relatively straightforward with first year birds lacking white on the inner web of the primaries, this is clearly illustrated on the image below.
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| Waxwing ©T. D. Codlin |
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| Waxwing ©T. D. Codlin |
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| Waxwing ©T. D. Codlin |
If you are thinking of going to see any, don't leave it too late since they go to roost very early; these birds started preparing roost at around 15:30 before heading off at around 3:40pm.
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| Waxwings ©T. D. Codlin |
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