Waxwing, Botley, Oxon. 27th Feb 2007.

On a cold, damp and fairly miserable day the news that a single Waxwing was still present outside a church hall in Botley near Oxford was too much to bear.As i approached the church hall in Botley i could see the unmistakable silhouette of a Waxwing perched in the top of a Rowen tree, i parked up and started watching the bird as it plucked a few berries and began eating them.I set up my camera and managed to get a few shots before a couple of thoughtless birders stood under the tree in an attempt to get a good view, the Waxwing flushed immediately and disappeared over the back of the church and didn't return.The Waxwing takes my year list to 100.
The Waxwing is one of my all time favorite birds and during early 2005 a large invasion culminated with a flock of 300+ being present at Bracknell, Berks and later a flock of 100+ turning up in Henley-on-Thames, Oxon.They are amazing birds to watch and can be very approachable as they gorge themselves on Rowen and Hawthorn berries, with their trilling calls they are certainly a bird that can brighten any winters day.