15 December 2010

The status of Waxwing in West Glamorgan

The plot below, which combines all the maximum counts of Waxwings in West Glamorgan over the 1990 to 2010 period, puts the current influx into context. Other than the massive influx in the 2004-05 winter, the species has been an extremely rare visitor, so it is well worth making the effort to see these birds as you never know when such an influx might occur again. Note that prior to 1990, I am aware of no more than half a dozen records, most involving just one or two birds.

4 comments:

DRWG said...

Waxwing is definately more uncommon the further west you go in VC41. Looking at the map, Gower hasn't even had a record. The majority of records come from the Cardiff area (over 100), which isn't really remarkable because of the amount of trees which have berries in the various parks and gardens. I even had 15 this am flying over the house >SW.

Barry Stewart said...

This is true, though we can't grumble - the species is even scarcer in Carms and Pembs! I guess it's more of a geographical thing rather than berry abundance as there are plenty of berry-laden bushes here in the west.

chris said...

caught up with the waxwings this morning after walking into work due to the snow.took a slight detour down the kingsway and managed 4 feeding just above head height (if your 7 foot).Barry,tidy photos,by the way

Barry Stewart said...

Cheers Chris, good to know they're still there. You must be tired after that walk!