News: October 2003

Waxwings (Bombycilla garrulus) are a stunning and rather uncommon winter visiting bird here in Britain. But in some winters, known as eruptive winters, they are much more common. There are early indications that this could be one such winter.

Waxwings do not normally occur in Britain until later in the winter, but this year there have already been a number of sightings over a large area of the north-east. Although the numbers are so far small, their widespread nature and early date may be a sign of more to come. Waxwing eruptions are thought to be caused by poor winter feeding conditions in Scandinavia. They are very fond of berries like rowan, cotoneaster and hawthorn and when they occur in this country they will concentrate in areas rich in these foods, often being seen in parks and gardens.

BBC. 2003. Waxwings flock to the UK. Viewed on the web at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/3218501.stm on October 27th 2003.