Previously “Diary of a Birding Medic”; “Rugby Birder”; "Bempton Birder”. All views expressed in this blog are my OWN and do not represent the opinions or policies of any organisations or entities whatsoever with whom I have been, am now or will be affiliated. Reference to Bempton Cliffs in NO way promotes the organisation known as RSPB Bempton Cliffs, but rather the FREEdom of the cliffs.

Sunday, 29 January 2012

Waxwings (6) at Cubbington!


Having spent the morning walking around Draycote in the fog and seeing very little except fog, I was not in the best of moods! A Blue Whale could have been in the centre of the water but invisible! Wondering what or if I could do to update my blog, my RBA text alert informed me of six Waxwings at Cubbington. This winter, Waxwings are about as rare locally as rocking horse sh** poo, so I grabbed camera and bins and headed out at a speed that the ambulance service would have been proud of in reaching the standard for a 999 call! I arrived at the junction of Rugby Rd and Pinehurst but nothing could be seen and the light was apalling! I heard the characteristic "trilling" call and a single Waxwing land in the berry tree opposite my parking spot. This bird was then joined by a further five and all six toured the area, visiting the berry tree. In good light, the image potential would have been excellent. On this occasion, I had to use my tripod, high ISO, and battle low speed to get some record shots. THe birds remained for about 45mins before flying NE, probably to roost. I offer below some sample record shots. Keep 'em peeled they are about. I've now got four days working so extremely pleased I could touch base today.







Posted by at

15 comments:

  1. Mike Attwood29 January 2012 at 18:05

    You have got more waxwing shots in one day than I have got in a lifetime. We've got lots of berries waiting for them down here so if you can give them a shove I would appreciate it.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kevin Groocock29 January 2012 at 18:08

    When we've finished with them Mike! I was beginning to wonder if i'd see any this winter.

    ReplyDelete
  3. ShySongbird29 January 2012 at 20:00

    Oh, well done Kevin but I'm very envious! I didn't even manage to see any last Winter :-(

    Great captures too, you did well in the poor light.... What a dreary day it's been.

    Fancy you missing that Blue Whale! You really must try harder ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kevin Groocock30 January 2012 at 04:34

    Thank you Jan, indeed it was a dreery day and these fantastic birds certainly brightened it. Hope you are well and will be out and about, hopefully finding a Waxwing or two!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Max Silverman30 January 2012 at 09:10

    Well done Kevin.Pity about the light.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Kevin Groocock30 January 2012 at 21:07

    Cheers Max. No sign of them today.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Marc Heath31 January 2012 at 19:47

    Could you send a few to Kent please. Nice shots.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kevin Groocock31 January 2012 at 20:23

    Cheers Marc. Not been back since Sunday, but reported today as flying south - so maybe.......!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The Broadstairs Birder2 February 2012 at 18:03

    Great blog ,enjoyed the waxwing photos Kent could do with a few. Have added you to my list of sites to follow .

    ReplyDelete
  10. Central Birder2 February 2012 at 19:08

    They turned out okay Kevin, nice records & thanks for the tip off too. Hope to see some soon as well in the not too distant future?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kevin Groocock3 February 2012 at 10:50

    I think ours have departed, BB! Such great birds - could turn up anywhere! Now following you as well.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Kevin Groocock3 February 2012 at 10:50

    This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Kevin Groocock3 February 2012 at 10:52

    Cheers Steve - others got some great shots during the week when the sun shone! I will keep you informed if I see or hear of any others.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Anonymous4 February 2012 at 21:31

    In your interview I trust you gave the finder Dave Ludlow a mention

    ReplyDelete
  15. Kevin Groocock5 February 2012 at 02:15

    Anonymous, thank you for leaving a comment. I DO NOT engage with people who leave such comments without having the decency to identify themselves. If you care to identify yourself, I will willingly answer your point and any other issues.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)