Wildlife Photographic Journals

Dalston Waxwings

A good number of waxwings have arrived in the UK. They are slowly eating their way south but impatience got the better of me and I decided to head north to find some. Waxwings have always been a bird that I haven't done very well with on my previous two attempts which was mainly down to where they were and weather conditions. So I was optimistic as I went in search of them on a bright sunny winters day. On arrival, once again the location was not ideal with the birds feeding on two rowan trees just inside a school grounds and next to main road. However, given the 60 or so birds present more photo opportunities were presented than on my previous attempts. The birds were quite nervous and would take flight everytime a lorry thundered down the road. Here are a small selection of images and hopefully the first of many more this winter.

A pleasing sight to greet any photographer of numerous waxwings perched before flying down on mass to the rowan trees.During the feeding periods the action is fast and furious as numerous birds descend upon the tree for a few moments of frenzied feeding.

Down the hatch

This bird is just in the process of swallowing one of the large berries and showing its unusual shaped tongue.