Local Waxwing - Bolton, Greater Manchester

With a survey in south Manchester at 11am, I had just enough time to first visit the local Waxwing which had turned up in Bolton, less than 20 minutes from home. After seeing flocks in Flamborough and Middlesborough last year, Waxwings had quickly become one of my favourite birds. Unfortunately, while my previous sightings had been great, the lighting had always been really poor.

This time there was bright sunshine, and by 9am I was watching the Waxwing in a small housing estate with a few berry trees. I only stayed for a couple of minutes, but it was great to watch the bird feed and then commute to a larger tree on the other side of the road. Lots of other birders were present, but everything seemed very respectful given the proximity to people's houses and gardens.

The lone male Waxwing showed amazingly!

On the way back from the survey I thought I would try my luck for the female Scaup at Amberswood NR, another decent local bird. However, the lake was almost deserted, with only a few Tufted Duck present. However, across the road at Low Hall NR there was a surprise Shelduck on the small lake and a showy Willow Tit.

A Shelduck on Low Hall NR was unexpected!


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