Waxwings flock to the UK

Waxwings are native to northern European countries

Birdwatchers in North East England are hoping for a return visit by rare waxwings after a spate of sightings of the colourful Siberian birds.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has already received inquiries from members of the public asking about the mystery "berry burglars" that have appeared in their gardens.

Last year saw the biggest influx of the birds to the North East for five years.

This year, the birds have already been spotted in parts of Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham and North Yorkshire.

David Hirst, from the RSPB in the North of England, said: "These great birds are usually easy to see, as they have little fear of humans and will feed within a few feet of people.

Waxwings get their name from the tips of their wing feathers, which look as though they have been dipped in bright red sealing wax David Hirst, RSPB

"However, for these birds to appear in the UK as early as October is unusual, as normally any waxwings that arrive in the UK come later in the winter.

"Although only small groups of waxwings have been seen so far in the north-east, the sightings have come from a broad front and this might be the start of a much bigger invasion of these birds."

Waxwings nest in remote parts of northern Europe, including Siberia, where they rarely see humans.

Food shortages in their usual Scandinavian wintering grounds occasionally drive waxwings across the sea to Britain.

They group in large flocks to feed on berries of trees and shrubs planted in the landscaped grounds of supermarket and office blocks.

Mr Hirst added: "Waxwings get their name from the tips of their wing feathers, which look as though they have been dipped in bright red sealing wax.

"They have a call like a tinkling bell and superficially they look a bit like starlings in shape, flight and action, but are much lighter coloured and when startled raise an amazing crest, which makes them look as if they've got a Mohican hair cut."