In winter 2005 there was a huge influx of a scarce visitor to the UK. The species were waxwings, and they were from Scandinavia on a mission to seek out all berry bearing foliage. Gradually as the supply of berries vanished from trees in Eastern England the flocks began heading west. Gradually by the beginning of January the first couple birds were turning up in Somerset with sightings from Frome, Bristol and Creech St Micheal. Sightings then began to be made from Somerset's county town, Taunton with flocks being seen outside the Brewhouse Theatre and Taunton Museum.

 

Around 29th January a flock was first noted at Hankridge Farm Water Park and within the adjoining Retail Park. The birds remained visiting the area off and on for the next month. The birds peaked at around 81, but there were reports of birders counting numbers more near to a hundred! Throughout Taunton there have been many separate groups of waxwings being present this winter. The birds even made local news in the Taunton Times and Somerset County Gazette. Below are notes on the movement of the waxwings in the Hankridge area.

29-Jan-05
Between 65-70 Waxwing in the Hankridge Farm area at 1.45pm, in trees between Comet and Sainsbury's petrol station and also in main Sainsbury's car park. Very flighty - did head off in the direction of Blackbrook but returned minutes later.

 30-Jan-05
A flock of c.65 waxwing were noted at Hankridge Retail Park in trees by the river, behind B&Q.

  31-Jan-05
 Now 81 waxwing at Hankridge Water/Retail Park, at 9.45am. The flock is still between Sainsbury's petrol station and Comet. They are showing very well in the bright sunshine - Today I took the photos seen above as the flock was in trees behind B&Q next to the river.

 1-Feb-05
Still 39 at Hankridge retail park this morning, but very flighty (AM). 60+ Waxwings feeding on the ornamental trees in Sainsbury's Car Park and also present in trees behind Sainsbury's Petrol Station (PM).

 6-Feb-05
No waxwings at Hankridge this afternoon (though Teal present on the lake, along with a single Kingfisher

 17-Feb-05
About 25 waxwing present in Sainsburys carpark at Hankridge today at 1.00pm to 2.00pm (and probably longer). Very tolerant and approachable, taking absolutely no notice of passing shoppers.

 20-Feb-05
No waxwing present at Hankridge but a female stonechat present in wasteland near M5, 25 Teal, 1 Kingfisher, 2 Grey Wagtail and 1 Water rail.  

BACK

: