Waxwing invasion hits St Helens!

The Waxwings invasion finally hit St Helens this week, after weeks of dribs and drabs! During the week there were several flocks of 40 - 60 birds reported from places such as Fingerpost, Sutton Heath and most spectacularly Havelock Close / Pigot Street / Napier Close, where the flock peaked at 100+ birds.

Having missed out on most of the excitement due to work, I set out today determined to join in the fun! First we started at Pigot Street, where there wasn't a bird to be seen. Then we went to Lowe Street, but again nothing.

Then suddenly we spotted five Waxwings in trees on the car park in Westfield street, but almost immediately they flew and headed towards Duke Street. We followed them as best we could, and finally caught up with them in Cowley Hill, at Briars Green. And they weren't alone! We counted at least 60 birds before they were off again, this time heading towards Bishop Road. Once again we followed them, and finally found them, at least 80 birds, probably more like 100 in Wynne Road, off Bishop Road. They stayed in Sycamores here for about 20 minutes while we watched them, and were still there when we left. Interestingly, they weren't just resting, they were clearly eating Sycamore buds. All very exciting! If you've not caught up with them yet, you really must take this almost unique opportunity to see these wonderful birds. I've never seen them in St Helens in such large numbers before, and it may be a long time before we get this many again.

Then we headed to Eccleston Mere, where we found a drake and two female Goosanders, and two Water Rails in the south west corner.

Waxwings Wynne Road.

Waxwings Wynne Road.

Water Rail and Goosanders at Eccleston Mere.