6/101.
Bombycilla garrulus Waxwing
Location: Highfield Road, Blackpool.
Conditions: First sighting (07/02/2013) overcast, very thick cloud; second sighting (08/02/2013) bright sunshine, blue sky (both mid afternoon).
Photograph quality: 1.
Comments: One species I hadn't really expected to see this winter. There has been a much greater number of these birds in the UK over the 2012-13 winter, reportedly due to failing food sources in Scandinavia - an irruption. Flocks of dozens of birds each have been seen in most parts of the country, but no significant numbers had made it to the Blackpool area until this month (Preston - the next large town inland - has seen a lot of waxwings though). A flock was sighted on the first of February, and I tried to find it the next day - but it was gone. I assume this was the same flock, which reappeared less than a mile away, and was seen in the same location for several days (as of writing, it is still there).
The first sighting was in a low tree by the main road. I was able to set up my tripod and take a large number of images, and some video, but the light was very poor. However, the following day offered perfect conditions, and the number of birds had increased from 17 to around 35. I only got a couple of minutes with the flock this second time, but it was enough to get the shots I wanted. Check out my Flickr feed for some of the best shots of these birds.
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