They’re back…bohemian waxwings blown in from the east from Scandinavia to plunder autumn berries. Hundreds have been seen in Elgin and these ones were from a flock of about 100 in Dunblane.
They would sit perched in a tree close to the berries but when a train went in or out of Dunblane station they would take to the sky in a huge flock and fly around trilling before settling down again.
Here are a couple which perched on a tree with catkins.
I wonder if the one on the left is saying, ” these aren’t berries, silly! I’m off to the rowan tree.”
Here’s one going off with a berry in its beak.
The group were quite skittish, and would alight on the tree, grab berries then suddenly take off and gather in a neighbouring tree.
Unfortunately the light wasn’t too good when the waxwings were in view. Here they are with a grey rain cloud behind them.
Not to be outdone this pigeon decided to get in on the act too.
There was also a bullfinch feasting on the berries.
Ironically the pigeon and bullfinch appeared when the light was at its best. I stood poised with the big lens in sunshine waiting for the waxwings to reappear but they wouldn’t oblige in the sunshine. I had some place else to go so had to leave it for another day. I’m hoping this winter will see an “irruption” of waxwings, that is when huge numbers come into the country. I can’t complain though, this is the best show of them I’ve ever seen yet.
Sarah's Wildlife Watch 