Could these be Crested Tits?

MidsRambler · #1 (**permalink**) 24-01-2011, 04:02 PM

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and hoping someone could identify these birds for me which I photographed whilst walking today. The photo is not very good quality so apologies for that! They were perched at the top of quite a tall tree and so I was relying on my cameras zoom to get a decent shot.

When I first saw them I immediately thought Crested Tit but after checking it seems they are usually found in Scotland. I was walking in South Staffordshire so quite a distance away! The surrounding habitat does include quite a large number of pine and fir trees though. Is it possible they could be crested tits or something else?

All suggestions appreciated!

Paul

Gill Catton · #2 (**permalink**) 24-01-2011, 04:06 PM

What you've got there are waxwings!! A lovely bird and you're lucky to see them the are a relatively uncommon and unpredictabe wintor visitor (though there are quite a few about this year)

Wild-Woman · #3 (**permalink**) 24-01-2011, 04:09 PM

Hello. Welcome.
Crested Tits need Caledonian pine forests to breed so I think that you are looking at a different bird species here.

MidsRambler · #4 (**permalink**) 24-01-2011, 04:09 PM

Ah, thanks a lot for the reply. I wasn't sure the photo had worked but I have posted it in the undentified birds section too.

Hadn't thought of Waxwings and yes, feel very lucky to have come across them as I haven't seen any in the wild before.

Many thanks!