There has been a distinct lack in the Lincoln area lately of Bombycilla garrulus - the Silk-tail Chatterer, in Latin no less. (I prefer Silk-tail Triller, as being more appropriate)......once the berries have gone, the birds move on, of course. So, feeling in need of a Waxwing 'fix', and further to recent reports of the Grimsby birds, I decided to try my luck this morning (Sun) in the Scartho Road Swimming Pool area ( as reported on Lincs Bird Sightings earlier.)
While watching the flock, I heard the distinctive trilling call of the Waxwing - which some older birders have likened to the sound of the 1960s' "FIXED" telephone 'Trimphone' (Tone Ring Illuminator Model), with its then innovative pleasant electronic trilling ring rather than the old traditional harsh bell ring. Strange, then, that although the trilling 'Trimphone' was "FIXED", the trilling Waxwing is often described as "MOBILE", irrespective of whether the numbers of the Waxwings reported are ringed/rung or not. Maybe, it's because the numbers of Waxwings are always engaged - in berry eating......but, yes, I know, only the red and orange berries and NEVER the Blackberries. It's all so confusing.
Sorry, I must go now. Nurse has arrived,has read this post and has said that it really is high time for my afternoon injection and lie-down. The doctor is coming later. Did I hear someone say, "About time?"
Regards,
Freddy
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