The Firecrests were showing well this morning and this afternoon in area 40. In trees on either side of the fence at times. Familiarity of the call will aid you when looking for them.
At times they forage in the tops of the Holme Oaks, then they can be difficult to pick up. Like Goldcrests they often hover, picking off insects on the underside of leaves.
The Finchley Road Waxwings totalled 89, when I watched them this afternoon. Though when I first arrived there were only 32, others then began arriving in small groups. They looked magnificent with the sun shining on them.
Head on the colouration and markings are reminiscent of a Hawfinch, though the bill is know where near as powerful.
Comments
It is only in the last week that our birds have become very vocal. It can take a few minutes of searching, then their distinctive call gives them away.
I hope you still have them to brighten up a quiet day at this time of year
Tony
I am the senior Wildlife Officer at Regent's Park, though that might be under threat. My assistant and I you could say are the official observers. we do a set walk most mornings, this is extended once the migration period starts. There are a few other more casual birders that pop in and then there are then others that come to see something that has been reported.
My camera is a Nikon D5000 with a 300mm nikon lens. Sometimes I use a 1.4 converter but not for today's shots. These were taken at around 2.30pm. I have been waiting for a chance to take some waxwing photos with some decent light, having seen a lot this winter in dull conditions.
Cheers
Tony