Waxwings spotted in Letchworth delights birdwatchers

The birds have been seen on a business estate near Sainsbury's, on the corner of Avenue One and Second Avenue, attracting around a dozen watchers to take in the view.

According to birdwatcher James Walsh, the birds travel to the UK when the berry crop in their native Scandinavia fails and they have to travel further in search of food.

Birdwatchers near Sainsbury's in Letchworth. (Image: James Walsh)

Mr Walsh continued: "It's very unusual to get waxwings in the area - the last time I can recall must be at least 15 years ago, when we had a flock in the town centre around Leys Avenue. 

"Waxwings are usually pretty scarce visitors to the UK, but every so often we get a 'waxwing winter', when the berry crop in Scandinavia fails and they have to go elsewhere for food.

They love the kind of berry-bearing trees commonly planted around business estates (Image: James Walsh)

"This is such a winter, and there have been flocks of them across the country.

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"They love the kind of berry-bearing trees commonly planted around business estates and retail parks, so Avenue One is a classic kind of waxwing location. 

"It's been fabulous to have these beautiful birds on our doorstep and I have really enjoyed sharing them with people who wouldn't normally consider themselves 'birdwatchers'.

It's been fabulous to have these beautiful birds on our doorstep (Image: James Walsh)

"It just shows how many people around Letchworth have an interest in their local wildlife."