Iconic bird flocks to Ireland for Christmas break

Waxwings, one of the most iconic Christmas birds, have flocked into Ireland in their greatest numbers for years.

The striking birds, which migrate from Lapland and even sound like sleigh bells, have been spotted in most parts of the country over the past week.

The birds, which are instantly recognisable by their distinctive reddish-brown crest, tend to congregate in urban areas every winter, ornithologists say they’ve arrived in increased numbers and have travelled further west than usual, to counties such as Kerry and Sligo.