Waxwings galore
AROUND 1,000 waxwings were recorded across Shetland over the weekend.
The colourful migrant bird is a scarce visitor to the northern isles, but is known to fly long distances in search of food when berry crops fail in northern Europe.
Rob Fray, of the Nature in Shetland website, said: “Shetland is invariably one of the first places in Britain to record waxwings, due to its close proximity to Scandinavia where many of these birds are leaving from.
“Their appearance in Shetland is often fairly brief, due no doubt in part to the relative lack of ‘berry trees’ in the islands – once in Shetland, waxwings usually feed on rosehips, and can be attracted to gardens by the provision of fruit, particularly apples.”
Around 70 islanders responded to a call from the local birding fraternity via social media to count the fascinating bird at as many locations as possible during the weekend.
The largest flock of 80 birds was counted at Eshaness, while 55 birds were seen at Baltasound school in Unst.
A maximum of 113 birds in scattered flocks were recorded in Lerwick on Saturday, while birders in the central mainland counted 200 waxwings. Heading south there were around 250 birds between Gulberwick and Toab.
Fray said it was impossible to get an accurate number of just how many waxwings were around, however the count gave a good overview and he was grateful to everybody who had taken the time to participate.
“Waxwings are well-known for moving about in search of food, so estimating the exact numbers of birds involved is difficult.
“Inevitably there will be some duplication in records, especially in the larger towns such as Lerwick, Scalloway and Brae.
“Conversely, many birds will have been missed as it appears that the influx was very widespread.
“Several birders have commented that there seemed to be a handful of waxwings in virtually every rose bush they looked in.”
A similar count in 2004, the last large influx of waxwings, recorded more than 950 birds, close to this weekend’s tally.
Regular updates on wildlife sightings can also be found on the group’s Facebook site at: http://www.facebook.com/natureinshetland
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