Waxwings visit Ireland

[Bobbie Ireland]

It's been a Waxwing Year here in Ireland - huge irruption, tho of course, none have visited me, in spite of all our berry-bearing shrubs/trees! Charming birds! Said to be indicative of a tough winter...

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/ireland-waxwings.html#cr

[Dumpsterkitty]

If they're anything like the ones I saw in my yard you have to be quick. Many years ago I had a flock land one day. They stripped all the berries in about 5 minutes, took off together and were never seen by me again.

[Bobbie Ireland]

If they're anything like the ones I saw in my yard you have to be quick. Many years ago I had a flock land one day. They stripped all the berries in about 5 minutes, took off together and were never seen by me again.

The visiting thrushes have stripped everything here, Ei, so no chance of the Waxwings.

[MAK]

I had a flock of Cedar Waxwings in a tree in the backyard of my sisters house in Hamlin when I lived there. Like Ei said they were gone in a matter of minutes! It was cool while it lasted tho! 

[Dumpsterkitty]

The one thing that has stuck with me all this time is how they all took off together.  Not like starlings and grackles go in a stream...pretty quickly but there's still a leader. It was like someone flipped a switch...they all just rose up and they were gone...poof!

[Bird Crazy]

I had them here in my yard 2 years ago. (If they came last year or this year I wasn't home to see it) it is so cool. Didn't take them long at all.

[patsy6]

Bobbie, I had no idea you actually live in Ireland.  I thought it was your last name!  I've been there five times and would go back at the drop of a hat if I had the money.  I am of Irish extraction, and I play and sing traditional Irish music.  Of course I go for the music, but I also love the history, the scenery and the Irish people.  I've just gotten into birding, so now I'll have to add birds to my list of reasons why I love Ireland. 

[Donna]

If they're anything like the ones I saw in my yard you have to be quick. Many years ago I had a flock land one day. They stripped all the berries in about 5 minutes, took off together and were never seen by me again.

Berry users! 

[Bobbie Ireland]

Bobbie, I had no idea you actually live in Ireland.  I thought it was your last name!  I've been there five times and would go back at the drop of a hat if I had the money.  I am of Irish extraction, and I play and sing traditional Irish music.  Of course I go for the music, but I also love the history, the scenery and the Irish people.  I've just gotten into birding, so now I'll have to add birds to my list of reasons why I love Ireland. 

Haha, Patsy! Don't know why I called myself "Bobbie Ireland" - just seemed right at the time. What a wonderful talent you have with the music... gets under your skin, doesn't it! Save up and come back to see us. You've got loads of Irish birds to tick off.

Slainte!