Further reports of waxwings confirm that this is a good winter to see these enigmatic birds.
As we reported on
6th December 2004, large numbers of waxwings (
Bombycilla garrulus) have been entering the UK from their Scandinavian summer quarters in search of food. There are reports that they are moving great distances from the arrival points in Scotland and the east coast. A number of sightings from the south of England, including Southampton and Bristol, indicate large numbers gathering around parks, gardens and retail parks where their favourite foods of rowan (
Sorbus aucuparia) and cotoneaster (
Cotoneaster spp.) are often planted.