I followed up David's report today (Mon). I arrived at Sainsbury's carpark, Bourne (off Exeter Street), at c.10.45 but there were no Waxwings in the trees there. However, remembering my visits to Bourne during the 2010/11 irruption, I went to the Coop Pharmacy area, also in Exeter Street. There was still the large Cotoneaster bush there and today it was smothered in berries. Perched nearby were c.20 Waxwings (10.55) in a tall tree.
They flew off later without feeding, heading towards the town centre. I went walkabout but I couldn't find them. At c.12.00 noon, they returned and settled on the Cotoneaster bush. After feeding in their usual smash and grab way, they flew to some trees along the edge of the Sainsbury carpark, which enabled me to count them - 23. Another smash and grab visit to the Coop Pharmacy Cotoneaster berries followed; they then flew off again towards the town centre (12.15). Very breezy conditions, the wind being over 20mph. Thanks, David, for the tip-off.
Freddy
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