waxwings!

 

30-12-25  A fabulous finale to 2025, photo-ing the famous five of Fountain Park! 

Well the sun did come out, although I was slow to get sorted and get on my bike. It was around midday when I got to the spot where waxwings, those delightful migrants, were spotted and flagged up on Lothain Birdwatch by Holly, a regular and very enthusiastic poster.

the famous five of Fountain Park

Waxwings will flock around berry trees: usually somewhere pretty grim on the outskirts of town. Often Sighthill. This year slightly closer to the town centre but right next to the Western Approach Road at the back of Fountain Park, a fairly unlovely-looking shopping centre. Only five birds had been reported and sure enough there they were at the top of a tall lime(?) tree. Well at least I got a distant record shot. I padlocked my bike against the railings below.

Speaking to the attendant birders it seemed the birds flew down to a rowan tree (in a back garden behind the wall) that still had a few berries on the bare branches. I chatted to a couple of folk while we waited. Stewart recognised me from Warriston, and Veronica found out we had Joanie in common. Then about every 20mins to half an hour one or more waxwing would swoop down from on high and gobble the red berries to the clicking of 5 or 6 long lens cameras. It would usually stay a couple of minutes then fly back to the tree top. Then we'd wait another 20minutes or more. Did I mention it was Baltic cold? Others, gloveless, didn't seem to notice as much but I spent most of the time blowing on my hands which were in thin gloves, in thick gloves. I was also wearing a buff and my warmest woolly hat on top. 

not a waxwing

still not a waxwing

The berry tree brought all the boys to the yard. There were chaffinches, redwings, blackbirds, blue tits and perhaps a thrush. The small garden had some flats behind and I'm sure at least one of the occupants (who drew down the blind) must have wondered what he'd done to attract the attention of a dozen paprazzi looking up at his window.

I was very pleased to get my first decent waxwing photo when one landed for long enough to get a line on it. My camera is very good for finding a bird in the middle of the branches and (using animal/bird recognition) focussing on it. I imagine the branches were causing problems for those without that tool. The birds were quick to grab as many berries in a short space of time then head back to the treetop.

Chatting to the others there helped pass the long cold minutes until a bird reappeared and everyone went quiet and focussed on the little blighters. It didn't happen often although they are not particularly shy creatures so will often sit where you can get a decent shot of them. Although don't expect them to hold a pose or a berry in their beaks long. 

This one came and sat in the non-berry tree right above where we were standing which was remarkably helpful and above and beyond the call. It was almost certainly because Stuart had gone to move his car. I think he (Stuart) saw us all pointing our cameras as he returned and broke into a rare sprint to get back in position.

redwing - the answer to the question
who has been eating all the berries

I think this one ate all the pies

A last chance to get a waxwing with the blue sky behind it. It was nearly perfect weather for them today, although I was deadly cold after 2hrs of little movement and had to cycle home like a maniac to get the blood warmed up. I could see the sun going down and was keen to get going. But would there be another couple over shortly? It is a very more-ish sport and although I was pleased with my photos I still felt I hadn't got the perfect shot and that if I just waited till the next one flew over I might manage it.

When I got home I wondered if I could fix this shot which was somewhat marred by the large stick across the centre of the photo. About half an hour with various cloning brushes and to see the result you'd never guess how much of the photo was touched in by hand. I know AI can do this in seconds but I haven't yet forked out the cash for that update, being terminally careful, 😆 but Mary has it on her machine. I should try it out as I would be surprised if AI did as neat and meticulous a job as below. Although you'd hope it would. I noticed Stuart posted a very similar shot obvs taken at the same moment when he was standing next to me. I wonder if he'll notice mine is stick free unlike his version? Mind you, he caught the bird with a berry in its beak which is something I missed. Cloning the head of his bird onto my photo - now that would be a step too far! 😁

a blue tit to finish
An excellent end to the year and a delight to see the waxwings!