Sunday, December 21, 2008

They're following me...



After last nights splendid Christmas do at Tom and Mu's I went to collect my car from outside theirs at about 9.30 this morning. I took Bunty and decided to give her a walk near the Alnmouth and Lesbury Cricket Club. As we were late to bed last night - this morning - I was a bit groggy and didn't attempt to take bins or camera, and was pleased that the wind was blowing the cobwebs away.

As we got out of the car, a Redwing flew overhead, calling, and I was deciding which direction to take when they shouted at me 'look here' in that elfin high pitched trill they always use. A glance right and there they were, 8 Waxwings in a twisted hawthorn only yards away.

Even though the light was hopeless giving them a dirty brown colour, their squat bodied crested shape was a welcoming sight. Not for long though, as this bush was apparently 'owned' by a large belligerent Mistle Thrush who was keen to protect his larder...

8 comments:

Alan Tilmouth said...

Probably roosted overnight, i'll keep one eye open as we go home.

Warren Baker said...

Nice bit of art work Stewart. Captures the essence of waxwings superbly.

Tricia Ryder said...

Excellent picture Stewart

(and if you could arrange for the Waxwings to follow me - I'd be ecstatic!)

Goosey said...

Haven't seen any Waxwings down here in Dorset yet, but then again I'm not a supermarket user and I hear they like the car parks.
I just blogged about a bird I saw today while out dog walking that I thought was an Osprey but wondered if that's possible at this time of year....I read your blog and decided you must be the person to ask! Merry Christmas, Goosey

oldcrow61 said...

Lovely art work. Would make a very nice xmas card.

Stewart said...

RV - Could be anywhere near you...
W - Ta....
T - I hope some make it to all of you...
G - I have heard of very late Osprey's Goosey, but not overwintering? I would look again for it if I were you. Its not impossible, with these newly reintroduced birds at Rutland who knows...
OC - Thanks, I might 'upgrade' the drawing to something a bit neater...

Steve Gale said...

There's a touch of the Ennion in your artistic style Stewart!

Stewart said...

Oh man Steve, if only. The man was a genius....Thanks very much anyway....