Waxwing watch.

[david156]

Birdline Scotland featured 4,000 or more Waxwings yesterday evening with flocks in the hundreds. Add these to the all the English birds and it looks like we could be in for a terrific year for them.

[RobS]

No mention of the German sub-species Bombycilla garrulus aldius yet then?

Interestingly there is no subspecies Bombycilla garrulus nettoius because that supermarket does not offer the right sort of habitat. Lidlius is a rare subspecies allied to aldius.

One of my great childhood memories is of the great invasion in the winter of 1965-66 where many of the race B. c. finefareius* were seen.

Rob S

*Only older, sadder, posters will understand this

[John]

What's Adam's user name on BF?

John

Originally Posted by Cordaline

Don't forget, you use BirdForum as well dear!

[Deb London]

Originally Posted by RoyW

For news around London you can try the London Bird Club Wiki latest news page (easily found with a web search). Site details, and often specific locations are posted here for birds within the London Natural History Society recording area (20 mile radius from St Pauls Cathedral).

I'm following this. Yesterday two Waxwings flew S-E, low over Stoke Newington Reservoir.

I'm not sure if the Wiki is up to date enough, but I have my monocular in my bag and can leave at a moments notice.

I'd like to see a Waxwing (or ten) this year. Contemplating a short subscription to RBA, but think it might be a slippery slope if I go down that route.

[RobinP]

Great article, this: Focus On: Waxwing: coming to a car park near you

The one by Julian Hughes is a scream too

Robin

[Deb London]

The opening passage of the Hughes article made me smile:

There are, I'm sure you'll agree, some givens in birding.

Hoopoes are almost always found on vicar's lawns (as Bill Oddie pointed out in his Little Black Bird Book almost 30 years ago).
Firsts for Britain are almost never found in Wolverhampton.
If you want to see a Waxwing, you go shopping.

I'll look forward to reading that later, Robin.

[RoyW]

Originally Posted by Deb London

I'm following this. Yesterday two Waxwings flew S-E, low over Stoke Newington Reservoir.

I'm not sure if the Wiki is up to date enough, but I have my monocular in my bag and can leave at a moments notice.

I'd like to see a Waxwing (or ten) this year.

Updates to the wiki can be within minutes, or the next day. News of the more unusual birds tends to get passed on by phone/text, and someone then posts the sighting.
Considering the numbers of Waxwings likely to be around this winter, you will only have to wait for some to settle in an area and you should have a good chance. It's also worth regularly checking any areas near you with lots of berries (+ check the tops of nearby tall trees as well) - and learn the call so you don't miss flying birds!

[Deb London]

Thanks Roy. Yes of course, I must learn the call. Will do!

[RobS]

Deb susbcribe to RBA you won't regret it, it's only £30 or so.

Rob S

[seamusagleann]

the village i live in has just been invaded by waxwings!! there must be well over a hundred of them in the one flock must try and get pics !