As regular CFZ-watchers will know, for some time Corinna has been doing a column for Animals & Men and a regular segment on On The Track... particularly about out-of-place birds and rare vagrants. There seem to be more and more bird stories from all over the world hitting the news these days so, to make room for them all - and to give them all equal and worthy coverage - she has set up this new blog to cover all things feathery and Fortean.

Sunday, 5 February 2017

'A Waxwing Winter': Soaring numbers of rare bird species



An unusual species of bird is enjoying a winter vacation here in the UK, according to the RSPB charity. 

Waxwings are a small starling-sized bird with a prominent crest and colourful markings. They only travel here from Siberia and northern Scandinavia when they experience a particularly harsh winter or if there is a shortage of food.

So many have been spotted this year, the RSPB has described it as a ‘Waxwing Winter’.
They're moving across the country from east to west and they're devouring trees full of berries .... Only ever 3 or 4 years do these birds come in large numbers.

The wildlife conversation charity hopes the rare winter visitor will encourage more people to take part in its annual Big Birdwatch, the world’s biggest wildlife survey.

Children across the country have already been getting involved in the Big Schools' Birdwatch. Others can join in on the Big Garden Birdwatch Weekend - 28 - 30 January. Those taking part are asked to spend an hour counting the birds in their garden or local green space.

Continued  

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