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Cedar Waxwing? U.K. (1 Viewer)

F

Firsttimetwitcher

Guest
Hello,

I am by no means a regular Bird watcher, although I was looking out the window this morning and spotted 6 or 7 birds in a berry tree.

I decided to look these up on google and it would appear that these birds were Cedar Waxwings, reportably as mega-rare in the UK. I have carried out further research and it appears there only 2 sightings in the UK? The last reportable sighting in 2003.

I wonder if anyone can help here? I think these birds come to this tree quite regularly and more photos could be taken.

Will there be anyone interested in these photos, I have 5 or 6 at the minute.

All comments will be appreciated.
 
Hi, what about the birds makes you think they were Cedars and not Bohemian Waxwings (which are fairly common, especially this winter)?

If you could post some photos on here that would be great.
 
Welcome to BF.

I would expect that your birds are Bohemian Waxwings, which are currently in the UK in good numbers. They're a regular visitor to the country in the winter. Cedar Waxwing, by contrast, has only ever occurred here a handful of times as you say, and a flock would be very, very unlikely.

If you can attach a photo to this thread, someone can check and confirm this.
 
Hi Firsttimetwitcher,

A warm welcome to BirdForum from all the Moderators and Admin. Glad to have you on board :t:

It would be good to see some photos. Bohemian Waxwings are around in many places in the UK at the moment.
 
Hi and welcome to BirdForum from all the staff.

As has been mentioned cedar waxwing is an extreme rarity so a flock of 6/7 would be an amazing record. Bohemian waxwing is much more likely (there are good numbers this winter), have you checked to rule out this species? If you can get any photos of them then post them on here, it would be interesting to see.
 
Not a mega rarity but a very nice bird and one that can be hard to find, and a good pic... I'd love to find some in my garden! Well spotted!
 
Ok, not as exciting as I first thought then?

Its says there are around 100 uk visitors, is that estimate correct?

Also what were the distinguishing features to enable you to confirm it is a bohemian?

Cheers
 
Firsttimetwitcher said:
Ok, not as exciting as I first thought then?

Its says there are around 100 uk visitors, is that estimate correct?

Also what were the distinguishing features to enable you to confirm it is a bohemian?

Cheers
Click to expand...

You can see the reddish undertail coverts which confirms that it's a Bohemian, have a look at my previous links
 
Take a look at the underside of the tail, reddish on the commoner BW, pale on the rarer CW.

Waxwings are reported in the UK most years, but every so often there are "bumper" years where we see good numbers of them - this year being a case in point.

They come over from their native Scandinavia to feast in the main on berries. This means that they often turn up in gardens, new housing estates, industrial estates and supermarket car parks attracted by the ornamental berry trees often planted as landscaping.

So not rare by birders standards, but still a red letter bird to fin. Nice pics too!
 
Firsttimetwitcher said:
Also what were the distinguishing features to enable you to confirm it is a bohemian?

Cheers
Click to expand...

Without sounding cheeky, as well as the diagnostic features others have said, the fact it's in Britain is a good start!

The problem with using Google as an ID tool is it'll throw up all the world's birds at you with little context as to where they're supposed to be and what the more likely options would be. I've seen much much worse clangers than this on the web using the same method (Jays turned into kookaburras, pied wagtails turned into black and white warblers).

If you're interested in identifying British birds, then I'd recommend the RSPB Handbook of British Birds by Holden & Cleeves (which is also a free gift if you join the RSPB). Collins Field Guide is a better field guide, but has a lot of European species that can be a bit confusing for beginners.

But also remember... there's nothing to stop beginners seeing rarities so keep looking! The ID Q&A forum on here's great so post any pics you can't quite clinch, and I look forward to reading more of your posts. :t:

And I'm still very jealous of your garden waxwings!
 
rockfowl said:
Well I've been waiting thirty years for one in my garden, hasn't happened yet so don't be disappointed!
Click to expand...

I've been fortunate enough to have them on my garden list in two previous houses, still waiting for my current abode. I've also had Marsh Harrier and Iceland gull from previous gardens which was exciting
 
Firsttimetwitcher said:
Ok, not as exciting as I first thought then?

Its says there are around 100 uk visitors, is that estimate correct?

Also what were the distinguishing features to enable you to confirm it is a bohemian?

Cheers
Click to expand...


Firsttimetwitcher, These are the very birds which turned me into a "bird stalking nutcase".
I enjoyed watching my garden birds and didn't take it at all seriously, in fact I was a gardener with a passing interest in birds until the waxwings appeared in the garden.
Since then birding has taken over my life, much to the annoyance of my family and friends.
I am finding that with the help of the folks on this forum, that my new hobby has become even more enjoyable.
I have even planted berry bearing shrubs in my garden and will have the garden filled with teasels, thistles, and sunflowers come the spring.
last year is the first time that I haven't cut down the old growth, as I read that it was great for birds and insects in the winter.
The garden looks less than ornamental at the minute but such is life, I'd now much rather have the birds than a tidy border....:t:

I look forward to your up and coming "new birder" posts. :t:
 
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