1st February 2005
WAXWINGS         
The title speaks for itself. After plenty of encouragement from fellow ringers in Scotland the group was out today in the Hinckley Road area of the city to ring Waxwings. The following page details the movements of colour ringed birds so far produced by Ray Duncan (Grampian RG). Please report any sightings of colour ringed birds you see directly to Ray at [email protected]. The images below are of birds we ringed today with relevant notes (except photo of adult thanks to MRG). This is the first time as far as we know that Waxwings have been ringed in the county and it�s not something we had really planned to do before. The sheer scale of this invasion however and the desire to contribute to the data being collated countrywide during this unprecedented movement was sufficient encouragement to try.
First winters:-  female (left) and male (right)
The black on the throat of birds can also be used as a sexing feature. Males (right)  have a jet-black throat-patch with a sharper border than the females (left). The black of the throat on the females fades out through dark grey to a less distinct border with the breast.
The wing feathers of most passerine birds have the same pattern for both adults and juvenile birds. Waxwings are unusual in that the primary feathers of adult and juvenile birds are different and can be used in ageing the birds. Adult birds have white on the inner web with bright yellow on the outer web making a �V� angle (above right) whereas juvenile birds have only a pale yellow outer web i.e NO 'V' (left and open wing above). This is a feature you can see easily in the field given a good view or photo .... try it!
Also clearly visible on all three images are the bright red extensions to the secondries from which the Waxwing derives its name. The colour and texture is reminiscent of the red wax which was heated and then used to "seal" legal documents.
14th February 2005
We have tried several times to add to the total of birds ringed in Leicester but without success so far. We have several sites now where Waxwings are to be found feeding daily and we hope to make further attempts this week. Windy weather is curtailing our efforts thus far.
CLICK HERE for details of colour ringing movements so far
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