MORE photographs of the rare waxwings which were spotted in Ramsey at the weekend, taken by keen bird photographer John Donnelly.
The waxwings - which originate in Scandinavia - were seen feasting on the berries of white beam trees alongside the roundabout close to Ramsey Bakery, attracting large numbers of bird lovers and photographers to watch at close quarters. John Donnelly counted a total of 55.
He added, “We normally get a few waxwings up north each year, but this is the biggest flock since 2008. The last photo with the blue background was taken in 2008 when we had a bit more light.”
Chris Sharpe, director of Manx Bird Life said, “They aren’t used to humans, so they don’t have any fear and will let you get quite close. It offered a wonderful opportunity for photographers to get really close.”
The waxwing is a winter visitor. It doesn’t breed in Britain but groups will travel in fairly large numbers during an “irruption” when the population on its breeding grounds gets too big for the food available.
Waxwings are similar in size to starlings but have very distinctive markings and a prominent crest. They are pale reddish brown with a brighter red head, a black throat and a black mask around the eyes.
The wings are also distinctive with bright yellow, red and white at the tips and a bright yellow tip on the tail. They were feasting on white beam berries in Ramsey but will also feed on hawthorn, cotoneaster and rose hips.
• If you have any images of the waxwings - or any other interesting photographs of wildlife or nature - we would be delighted to hear from you. Send your photographs with a brief description to newsroom@isleofman.com and we will publish the best, together with the name of the photographer.
