Preliminary report on the occurrence of the waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus, in Schleswig-Holstein in autumn 1965

Abstract

There are currently 115 observations of more than 5,400 specimens of this remarkable species from autumn 1965.

The first sightings were on 16 and 17 October; after just a few days, between 24 and 29 October, the peak was reached in East Holstein (up to approx. 250 specimens per day), whereas in West Schleswig-Holstein it was not until between 5 and 11 November (up to approx. 350 specimens per day). Heavy snowfall from 12 November led to a rapid decline, and from 15 November onwards only small flocks or individual birds were observed. Mainly due to the lack of food (poor wild berry harvest), the flocks migrated quickly. Some of the reported data concerns significant daily migration towards the south to west. Most observations related to adult birds (see fig.).

Please report any further observations (including information on food, length of stay, etc.). Keep an eye out for their return migration in spring.