Waxwings are one of the most exotic bird species to be found in Ireland. Named after the small red waxy tips to some wing feathers (which resembles red sealing wax), they nest in the forests of Scandinavia. Each winter, Waxwings sweep down into Europe in search of berries and, in some years when there is a poor crop of berries, they extend beyond their normal winter range. Such movements are known as ‘irruptions’ and it is during these irruptions that we get to encounter these special birds in Ireland. This splendid Waxwing was part of a large flock feeding on berries in Lucan, Co. Dublin in January 2017.