RARE SCANDINAVIAN BIRD WINGS INTO CLEETHORPES COUNTRY PARK

First glimpse from afar of the rare visitor

AN unusual bird was today attracting twitchers to  Cleethorpes.

The waxwing breeds in Nordic forests, but every winter a few (and occasionally a lot) come to the UK.

Here, their favourite food consists of rowan berries, but they will also eat the berries of other shrubs such as cotoneaster and hawthorn.

The  waxwing is said to be named after the red marking which resembles the  wax once used to seal confidential letters

This bird was seen during mid- to late-afternoon feeding on rosehips and hawthorn berries adjacent  to the lake in the country park (near its car park).

It proved extremely confiding, remaining in situ even with dog-walkers passing just feet below.

For a moment, it seemed to be in peril when a kestrel briefly hovered above it but the raptor moved on.

Waxwings are often gregarious but this bird was alone - possibly having become detached from a group.

About the size of a starling, it is unlikely to tarry long in Cleethorpes.

Soon it will be on its long journey back north.