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.