Avid tweeters have flocked to a tiny green space opposite Farnham Hospital this week to capture stunning photographs of a rare migratory bird spotted in the area in unusually large numbers.

The 50-strong flock of bohemian waxwings, so named because of the nature of their wings being so slick they resemble being dipped in oil or wax, have been spotted feasting on berries of a rowan tree off Haven Way.

Migrating from Scandinavia and Russia for new food sources, their arrival in the UK comes in search of winter berries. Flying their way down the country starting in Scotland, Farnham is their latest stop in their continual search for food.

But their 700 to 3,000-mile long berry buffet has some occasional unforeseen side-effects: befuddled birds.

Rowan berries are known to ferment in waxwings' stomachs after consumption, sometimes leading them to lose their balance and fall out of trees, or plainly: become a bit drunk.

The Farnham flock have fortunately managed to avoid that fate so far, according to the group of birdwatchers assembled in Haven Way since early this week.

The 'twitchers' told the Herald a large group of 40 to 50 waxwings were spotted in the early half of Thursday at Haven Way.

They have visited in such high numbers this year because of an 'irruption' year. This is caused by the population of waxwings growing too large at their original breeding grounds in Russia and Scandinavia, requiring a thousand-plus mile migration in search for food. 

One birdwatcher Simon Thorn said he has not had the pleasure of photographing these creatures for ten years because of the irruption cycles.

Another expressed a warmth towards these feathered friends as she said they bring memories of childhood, seeing a waxwing in the garden of her youth.  

By Alexandra Thurston