Waxwing

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Waxwing
Latin name Bombycilla garrulus
Family Waxwings (Bombycillidae)

Waxwing Nikon D300S, f5, 1/640th, ISO320

Photo taken at Shirley near Croydon 30th November 2012

 Overview
The waxwing is a plump bird, which is slightly smaller than a starling. It has a prominent crest. It is reddish-brown with a black throat, a small black mask round its eye, yellow and white in the wings and a yellow-tipped tail. It does not breed in the UK, but is a winter visitor, in some years in larger numbers, called irruptions, when the population on its breeding grounds gets too big for the food available.
Where to see them

The first British arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia, but birds move inland in search of food, increasing the chances of seeing one inland.
When to see them

October to March.
What they eat

Berries, particularly rowan and hawthorn, but also cotoneaster and rose.

Fieldfare

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Fieldfare

Latin Name: Turdus pilaris

Nikon D300S 500mm 5.6, 1/800th, ISO 320

Photo taken at Shirley, Croydon

30th November 2012

Overview

Fieldfares are large, colourful thrushes, much like a mistle thrush in general size, shape and behaviour. They stand very upright and move forward with purposeful hops. They are very social birds, spending the winter in flocks of anything from a dozen or two to several hundred strong. These straggling, chuckling flocks that roam the UK's countryside are a delightful and attractive part of the winter scene.
Where to see them

Best looked for in the countryside, along hedges and in fields. Hawthorn hedges with berries are a favourite feeding area. In late winter grass fields, playing fields and arable fields with nearby trees and hedges are a favourite place. May come into gardens in severe winters when snow covers the countryside.
When to see them

They begin to arrive from October and numbers build up as the winter progresses. Birds start to return in March and some may stay into May.
What they eat

Insects, worms and berries.

Redstart

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Redstart

 Redstart (female) Ashdown Forest 13th May, 2012

Nikon D300S 500mm

Overview

Redstarts are immediately identifiable by their bright orange-red tails, which they often quiver. Breeding males look smart, with slate grey upper parts, black faces and wings, and an orange rump and chest. Females and young are duller. Redstarts 'bob' in a very robin-like manner, but spend little time at ground level. It is included on the Amber List as species with unfavourable conservation status in Europe where it is declining.

Where to see them

Mainly found in the north and west of the UK, with the greatest concentrations in Wales. Particularly likes oak woodlands, also hedgerows, alongside streams and parkland. On passage in is best looked for in coastal scrub, thickets and woodland.

When to see them

April to September

What they eat

Mainly insects; also spiders, worms and berries.

Whitethroat

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Whitethroat

A beautiful Whitethroat - Ashdown Forest

13th May, 2012 Nikon D300S 500mm

Cuckoo

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Cuckoo

Cuckoo - photograph taken 13th May, 2012Ashdown Forest- Nikon D300S 500mm

Overview

The cuckoo is a dove-sized bird with blue grey upper parts, head and chest with dark barred white under parts. Sexes are similar and the young are brown. They are summer visitors and well-known brood parasites, the females laying their eggs in the nests of other birds, especially meadow pipits, dunnocks and reed warblers. Their recent population decline makes this a Red List species.

Where to see them

Cuckoos can be seen throughout the UK, but are especially numerous in southern and central England.

When to see them

Adults arrive in late March or April and depart in July or August, with young birds leaving a month or so later.

What they eat

Insects, especially hairy caterpillars.

Kestrel

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A beautiful Kestrel hovering over the sand dunes at West Beach Littlehampton today: Friday 13th April, 2012

Redpoll

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A beautiful Redpoll - photo taken at Warnham Nature Reserve 1st March, 2012