I thought I’d check out the Marlow Waxwings this lunchtime, as the presumed pre-roost flock I saw yesterday seemed a little depleted, maybe 50-60 birds. There was no sign of them on the poplars near the Wyevale, so I tried the industrial estate just over the A404. A small flock was immediately obvious feeding on cotoneaster berries adjacent to the A404 near Forth Avenue, I counted 42 birds, but these were joined by another 30+ briefly, before they all took off towards the adjacent housing estate. A quick drive round and I found a largish flock feeding on what looked like old crab apples in Peacock Road. Shortly afterwards, they were flushed and flew off back towards the A404. I then found a further 10 nearby, which also flew off towards the A404. A quick drive again and birds were found on the slip road next to the fire station before they flew off back to the poplars opposite Wyevale. Here it was easy to count 84 birds, so I guess this is the total flock, but there could be break-off flocks feeding nearby. The birds are not feeding in these poplars, except on a few rose-hips beneath occasionally, but seem to come here to rest up, certainly for pre-roost and maybe post-roost judging by early morning records. They have also been coming down from the poplars to drink in puddles at the entrance to the Wyevale, but these are now drying up.
Adam Bassett
This is an account of the personal observations of Lee G R Evans (LGRE) in his home county of Buckinghamshire. It also hosts all sightings of interest within the county but only those considered authentic by the author. I am extremely grateful for any images of local birds as well as of any information relating to birds within the boundaries - contact me anytime on 07881 906629 or email LGREUK400@aol.com.