Birdwatchers flock to catch a glimpse of waxwings

Winter visiting waxwing birds spotted in Long Stratton south of Norwich. Credit: Tony Aldous / ITV News Anglia

Birdwatchers have gathered in a police station car park in South Norfolk to catch sight of a migratory winter bird - the waxwing.

Only 10,000 of the birds fly into the UK each year and they are mainly seen at the coast.

Several waxwings have been spotted more than twenty miles inland at Long Stratton south of Norwich.

  • Click to watch a video of the waxwings

The birds are occasional visitors to East Anglia from Scandinavia and Russia.

They don't breed here but come to look for food in the winter.

Only 10,000 waxwings are though to the resident in eastern parts of the UK during winter. Credit: Tony Aldous / ITV News Anglia

Birdwatchers have been gathering to photograph the birds on long lenses as they feed on berries in the trees.

The RSPB says the first British arrivals each winter are usually seen on the east coast from Scotland to East Anglia, but birds move inland in search of food, increasing the chances of seeing one inland.

Birdwatchers are out in force trying to get a glimpse of the waxwings in Long Stratton. Credit: Tony Aldous / ITV News Anglia
Birdwatchers have gathered outside Long Stratton police station to photograph the waxwings. Credit: ITV News Anglia