Japanese and Bohemian Waxwings, ヒレンジャク, キレンジャク

Right where the Ibisses were feeding, you could hear their call. As Waxwings do, they line up neatly on the wires, then suddenly attack a tree with berries and "disappear". 

Between the 100+ red tails, I found 3 yellow ones

Look, 2!

 none...

Can you see all 3?

Waxwings, ヒレンジャク、キレンジャク

There has never been a year that we could see them so often, at so many places and in huge numbers. There were about 30 or 40 birds in the park on March 30. Come on guys, it's time to move on! There are not many berries left on the tree...

Going for the last ones

The Bohemian was still there, too キレンジャク

Bohemian Waxwings, キレンジャク

Because I had not been able to see these yellow-colored Waxwings during previous visits I went back one late afternoon for just half an hour or so and... Bingo! Yellow it was.

The yellow pattern on the wings and the tail are best seen from behind

Yeah!

That was me

For the balance here a bit of red

And a bit of both

It was fun again this year.

Festival of Waxwings part 2, the Bohemian

The Bohemian Waxwing, キレンジャク is a bit different. Not only the color of its tail feathers. It acts alone, always a bit removed from the flock. Socially unconventional. 

Waxwings - again

This year there seem to be many more Waxwings then other years, especially in the north, where the flocks' numbers are 300 or 400. We didn't get more then usual I think, just 20 - 30 birds, but they seem to stay longer - to the photographers' delight :-) For the 2nd time:

Bohemian Waxwing,　キレンジャク

Bohemian on the right, Japanese on the left

Japanese Waxwing, ヒレンジャク

Love that stuff!  Mistletoe berries, ヤドリギ

A popular spot for the Redstarts, maleDaurian Redstarts, ジョウビタキ 

female

male

Waxwings, レンジャク

When spring comes waxwings gather to have a feast in and around the city of Dazaifu, where berry trees line the streets and parks. The flock of over 50 birds consists of mainly Japanese waxwings, but some Bohemian Waxwings are seen, easily recognized by the yellow terminal band on their tail and the lack of red markings generally.

Waxwings, レンジャク

below Japanese Waxwing,  ヒレンジャク

below  Bohemian Waxwing,  キレンジャク

 

Suddenly the birds take to their wings and attack a tree or bush. They gobble up as many berries as possible during a few minutes or just half a minute before returning to the top of the bare trees, from where they can keep a safe look out.

  Side by side, Bohemian and Japanese Waxwings

When you see what these birds can do to a tree in one day you understand why they are called Pest birds in Dutch.