A Couple of Hours with the Waxwings in Stevenage

1st January 2024

The Waxwing invasion is in full swing now moving further and further south as the berry crops further north are exhausted. Our local birds in Hertford moved on despite there being many berries left but seven birds have been feeding on the Rowans in the Pin Green Industrial Estate in Stevenage so time for a visit.

Not surprisingly there were quite a few birders who had similar ideas due to a combination of wanting to get Waxwing on their 2024 year list and needing a break from the New Year festivities. The birds had obviously had a good feed and were sitting high in a tree enjoying the sunshine and having a preen, and after half an hour or so descended on the Rowans for another feed.

When they are feeding it is quite easy to get within 10 yards and just start clicking away. Just look at that hair-do!!!!

I just love the way they are so relaxed and totally unphased by having a dozen or so cameras pointing at them and it gives me great pleasure to report that all those present were very well behaved and no-one trying to get tha little bit closer.

And then on to the important busines of stocking up with berries. Rowan berries come in a range of colours but these pink ones are their favourites and are normally devoured before all the others.

And there is always time for a spot of juggling!!!!