Cemetery Avenue Fatal for Waxwing

In Sheffield, Cemetery Avenue is often a good spot for Waxwings.  This year there are huge numbers around the city, probably well over 1000, with 100-150 visiting this street at the moment.

A recent Saturday produced over 100 birds late in the morning.  The birds came to feed regularly from the taller trees on the road.  Cautious but not shy, the Waxwings would drop down quickly for a brief feeding frenzy on the Rowan berries before moving back up. The larger the flock, the more apprehensive and flighty they seem to become, as a result they often quickly move on.

 

 

Unfortunately the birds are feeding only feet from the windows of adjacent houses.  As the large flock went up one time, a huge bang was the sound of one bird flying straight into what it thought was clear sky.  Having hit the window it was killed immediately and fell to the ground.

Inspection of the bird shows its true beauty, the detail on the wing is fascinating to see.  In particular, the red drops extending from the secondaries show where its name is derived - the red drops of sealing wax.

 

 

The bird is now residing in my freezer.