Sir, - Brain Cullen (March 1st) reports seeing waxwings in Rathfarnham on February 24th and wonders if others have seen them. Mr Cullen and your readers may be interested to know that the Birds of Ireland News Service (BINS) has received reports of up to 800 birds from 16 counties in Ireland since late December. There have been several sightings of waxwings in the past week or two from the Rathfarnham/Ballyroan area, and because of the cold spell we expect further arrivals. A full listing of all sightings so far can be found on the BINS website at www.birdsireland.com under the "Rare Bird News" section. We also welcome telephone or e-mail reports of any further sightings. - Yours, etc.,
Eric Dempsey, Birds of Ireland News Service, Claremont Court, Dublin 11. 01-8307364 birdsireland@eircom.net.