BIRDWATCHERS at the Teifi Marshes and Welsh Wildlife Centre in Cilgerran have been delighted as the waxwing has returned to the marshes.

Waxwings are not native to the UK and do not breed here but are migratory birds that can visit in the winter. The RSPB says that they can be found in various parts of the UK from October to April and are usually found along the eastern coast of the UK, parts of Northern Ireland and a small area to the north-west of England.

The bohemian waxwing is the one that appears in the UK but there are also two further breeds – the cedar waxwing in North America and the Japanese waxwing in north-east Asia.

The waxwing is a plump bird that is slightly smaller than a starling and has a prominent crest. It is a reddish-brown colour with a black through, small black mask around its eyes and has yellow and white in its wings and a yellow-tipped tail. The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales says that it is a popular bird for birdwatchers to spot.

Waxwings are known as irruptive birds, as we never know if they are going to arrive or not and for a while now, have not graced the Teifi Marshes. Whether they arrive in the UK or not is dependent on the berries in their native Scandinavia. If there are plenty, they will stay put, but if there are not, they will try their luck in the UK. They can be easy to spot as they will be on bushes with berries no matter the location – even next to supermarkets!

Over the last couple of weeks, a number of people have been making the most of this sighting including Samantha Owens who sent in some pictures to us, and some of our Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club members. Check out their photos below!

Tivyside Advertiser: Waxwing reaching for a berry at Welsh Wildlife CentreWaxwing reaching for a berry at Welsh Wildlife Centre (Image: Massini Lisa (Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club))

Tivyside Advertiser: At least four waxwings are at the Welsh Wildlife CentreAt least four waxwings are at the Welsh Wildlife Centre (Image: Mark Southgate (Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club))

Tivyside Advertiser: The waxwings have been causing a stir amongst birdwatchers at Welsh Wildlife CentreThe waxwings have been causing a stir amongst birdwatchers at Welsh Wildlife Centre (Image: Mark Southgate (Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club))

Tivyside Advertiser: Waxwings are usually found where there are plenty of berries.Waxwings are usually found where there are plenty of berries. (Image: Sarah Louise Wilson (Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club))

Tivyside Advertiser: This waxwing performed some acrobatics to get a berry at Welsh Wildlife CentreThis waxwing performed some acrobatics to get a berry at Welsh Wildlife Centre (Image: Andrew Price (Tivyside Advertiser Camera Club))

Tivyside Advertiser: Waxwing at the Teifi MarshesWaxwing at the Teifi Marshes (Image: Samantha Owens)

Tivyside Advertiser: Waxwing enjoying the berries at the Teifi MarshesWaxwing enjoying the berries at the Teifi Marshes (Image: Samantha Owens)