Psilos Bird Photography

Woodley Waxwings - page 2
The Mistlethrush is our biggest native thrush. Much larger than the waxwing it is highly territorial and was not at all keen on the idea of sharing the berries which could last him through the winter. In actual fact there wasnt one bird but four and they were very aggressive. Not only did they try to scare away the waxwings but they were endlessly fighting amongst themselves too.
 
 
The tree on the right was laden with berries and the mistlethrushes werent going to give it up easily. The waxwings were allowed to feed on the tree on the left and whilst there were sufficient berries the waxwings were happy there. However as the berries became depleted they tried to get onto the other tree. At first they were chased off as soon as they descended but by the second day the waxwings had developed some very different tactics.
 
 
 
Now the waxwings started to work more as a team to beat the mistlethrushes. Sitting over on the other side of the road you could hear their shrill twittering whistle. Whilst they were resting they were reasonably quiet but as they got ready with a raiding party their calls got louder. Now though they were more cautious. Scouts of no more than two birds were sent across first to see how aggressive the mistlethrushes were, and, if they didnt immediatly get chased off then they sent out a call and more waxwings would fly over. Then if the coast remined clear the rest of the flock would fly over and they would busily set about feeding.