The rowan trees are many and heavily laden, but where are the irruptives?
At this time of year, I watch for irruptives. These are birds that don’t visit us each year, but occasionally do so as a result of dramatic, irregular, food-seeking, migrations. So far this season, I have caught glimpses of only White-winged Crossbills, Pine Grosbeaks, and Pine Siskins.
However, I am really looking for large flocks of either Pine Grosbeaks or, in particular, Bohemian Waxwings. Some other years, I have seen them feeding on rowan berries (mountain ash), so I have been watching such trees.
Alas, I have not seen any irruptives on our rowan trees as yet. But, the trees have been attracting robins. I will continue to watch.
A robin manoeuvres among the rowan berries.
I’m with you on that Alistair. So many berries, so few pines.’ And I too am watching for bohemians, and I too do not them find.
I have not found them either. I am wondering if the forest fires this summer has deterred the birds?
I saw a few bohemian waxwings at Kokanee Creek Park on November 18th (along with a pine siskin, lots of American Goldfinch and boatload of robins).
That’s a lovely robin photo Alistair.