Waxwings arrive in large numbers in the UK during irruption winters when Scandinavian berry crops fail, with welfare depending on berry availability in gardens and towns.
Waxwing welfare during irruption winters depends on access to abundant berry crops after long migration from Scandinavia. Arriving birds may be depleted and dependent on quickly locating high-quality food sources. Urban berry trees provide crucial food that enables recovery and eventual return migration. Human disturbance at feeding sites during irruptions causes unnecessary energy expenditure. Ornamental berry trees planted in gardens and urban spaces provide substantial welfare benefit to irrupting waxwings. The unpredictability of irruptions means welfare-supporting habitats are beneficial even in non-irruption years for resident thrushes and other berry-dependent species.