Birdwatch Ireland has revealed that Donegal was the first stop-off point for a unique winter visiter to Ireland.
Waxwings stopped off on Tory Island
A group of 25 Waxwing birds were spotted on Tory Island on October 29th, sparking a surge of sightings of the Scandinavian birds.
This winter has been exceptional for the number of Waxwings reported throughout the country.
By the end of November, Waxwings had been seen in all counties, with flocks of more than 50 birds noted in Antrim, Dublin and Wicklow.
To date, the highest count was of at least 400 Waxwings seen roosting in Lucan, Co. Dublin in mid-December.
Because the birds usually live in the wild woods of remote of Siberia and Alaska as well as Scandinavia, it is probably the first time they have encountered people.
Birdwatch Ireland has ased any Donegal readers who may have spotted the stunning birds, who feed on berries in the winter, to contact them.
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