2012/2013 was an epic year for Waxwings as they came over to Britain in large numbers, now most of you would either have got your photos early on or now lost interest or forgotten about the excitement of the waxwings .However for me - who has never seen a waxwing - I am unlucky to live in a 'dead' spot for where waxwings are concerned. I got reports from the local wildlife group of waxwings in the area (about 5-10 min bike ride away) although I didn't have any luck. I thought I'd have to wait another year, but that was not to be the case. As you should know it was Mother's day yesterday and my family and I had my grandparents round, for some reason or another I took interest in the birds on the tree outside my house, I thought they were just starlings although deep down I longed for them to be waxwings...
...I looked out the window just as they flew off, but one stayed. I knew! it was a waxwing and I rushed upstairs for the binos, unfortauntely it had flown away when I got back and I gave up hope. However I then realised on the other side of the small green space outside my house they were back. A short cry of 'Oh Yes' before I grabbed my camera and rushed out the house barefoot with the rest of my family slightly bewildered. I struggled at first on auto mode with the contrast of the bird against the white clouds as it ended up being a silhouette although I finally did manage a few photos and it was a great relieve when they popped onto the ground. I was surprised that they allowed me so close and I apologise for the noise in the photos below as I didn't have any time to adjust my camera settings and also the weather and low evening light didn't help. You may also realise I've tried out a few different effects.