Last Friday was the first day I was free to get out and watch wildlife, other than in the gardens, this year. We are in a ‘Waxwing Winter’ when the UK experiences a huge influx of these Scandinavian birds. These periodic influxes are thought to be driven by either an excellent breading season and (or) a shortage of berries in their normal wintering grounds.
So there are now parties of these beautiful birds, scattered all across the country. My initial plan had been to go and try and find the group that had taken up residence in Balham in South London, but then on Wednesday a group turned up in St Paul’s Cray, only a few miles away from where I live, so I headed off that way instead. Armed with up-to-date information on their location, I soon located the group of 18 birds in Rowan trees alongside the A224.
After having watched them for about 30 minutes, I made my way home, stopping on route at Sidcup station, hoping to see the local Peregrines (no luck there) and for my first visit to the Tarn this year to add a few new resident species to my year list.
A good morning’s birding and wonderful to see those beautiful Waxwings.
Pete's Favourite Things 