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© Wikimedia Commons/Andreas TrepteBohemian waxwing

An irregular visitor in winter from the far north, several flocks of Bohemian waxwings have been spotted in the Granite State this past week.

Slightly larger than a cedar waxwing, with a reddish brown under its tail, Bohemian waxwings only come as far south as states which border Canada.

Sightings during the past week included: a flock of 75 near the library in Strafford on Feb. 25 and again on March 1; a flock of over 80 behind Stan's Auto Service Center in Conway on the 26th; a flock of 12 in Hart's Location on the 27th; a flock of over 150 near the traffic circle in New London on the 27th and a flock of 209 in the same area on March 1.

Also, a flock of 40 was seen along Route 106 near Sam's Club in Concord on Feb. 28; a flock of 50 along Winona Road in New Hampton on March 1, and a flock of 45 in Hanover on March 2.

These flocks were seen mainly foraging on ornamental fruit tress, or resting nearby.