Now I know Waxwings have been done to death but... (1 Viewer)

Couple of questions

1) How late have Waxwings stayed on in the UK before?

2) How many are still kicking about? Any recent sightings?

3) Have they ever stayed and attempted to breed?

4) What is the likelyhood of this happening this year?

Cheers

Hotspur said:

Couple of questions

1) How late have Waxwings stayed on in the UK before?

2) How many are still kicking about? Any recent sightings?

3) Have they ever stayed and attempted to breed?

4) What is the likelyhood of this happening this year?

Cheers

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some were reported from Rowntree Park on (I think) Saturday

Not surprised, I have seen them on Cemetary Road up to last week, day in, day out at about 06:30 and have seen various flocks around the city, including at Rowntrees Park

I'm also puzzled by this. I can see why there have been so many waxwings migrating here this winter - apparently due to a major lack of berries in the Scandinavian countries. But why are there so many still around - surely they should be on their way back to their summer breeding grounds establishing nesting and feeding territories, and if they leave it too late they will find it difficult to establish territory, nest, mate and bring up their broods? My 'book' does say that they don't start breeding until mid-June, but I would have thought they should have packed their bags by now. Any offers from the experts?

Alan Hill

I've noticed records up to mid May in past years. Will be interesting to see whether any stay longer this year.