When the Waxwings visited the Rowan Trees near Goring Station two years ago I missed seeing them and arrived too late.... only in time to see the trees stripped of their berries.    This winter I have not heard of any Waxwing visitations in my Findon vicinity or other local villages.   

I was at RSPB at Pulborough at lunchtime on 3rd April 2011 and heard there were 21 Waxwings lapping up the Cotoneaster berries..... but I missed those too.

This was corrected when from my own patio later that afternoon I took the following photographs of these splendidly coloured birds against a grey sky...... they stayed with me for a long time.   There were twelve of these unusual visitors in total flying together as a flock.   (I love the punk hair styles don't you)....

click to enlarge

DOUG EMAILED...."Hi Valerie....Nothing wrong with your photos of the Waxwings. Excellent! Backlit shots are always the most difficult.

You were honoured to have a visit from them. They usually stay until they strip all the berries from specific trees & shrubs. I don't know much about their habits but I'm surprised they haven't visited Goring since I saw them. I think that was two years ago now. I remember several of them being found dead during their stay. Not sure of the cause.

Most of the information on the Internet seems to be on the Cedar Waxwing. I believe the species that visits us is the Bohemian Waxwing. I found this article on the difference between male & female. They're more easily identified.   Doug".