Waxwing by Nick Appleton

With the first proper Waxwing invasion in years underway, it's almost a given that the species will feature with regularity on our Photo of the Week shortlists during the forthcoming winter – but there may be few better flight shots of the species than this one, caught by Nick Appleton at Oulton, Suffolk, where a flock of up to 41 were present last week.

Taken in beautiful winter sunshine, the bird is side on and appears to be having a good look at the photographer, focusing attention on its attractive black eye mask and bib. Perhaps the most striking component of this photo is the underside of the tail and ventral area – the neat, yellow tail band and chestnut-red undertail coverts are eye-catching to say the least.

While Waxwings may be approachable while feeding, catching a sharp image like this of a bird in flight is never straightforward, so kudos to Nick for nailing this one!

Other notable images

Hen Harrier, Portland, Dorset (John Wall).

Purple Sandpiper, Penzance, Cornwall (Chris Teague).

Woodpigeon, Barnsley, South Yorkshire (Peter Miles).

Long-tailed Duck, Keyhaven Harbour, Hampshire (Steve Laycock).

Short-eared Owl, Stone Creek, East Yorkshire (Ian Bollen).

Bar-tailed Godwit, Titchwell RSPB, Norfolk (Steve Bell).

Cape May Warbler, Bryher, Isles of Scilly (Mark Dowie).

Waxwing, Glasgow, Clyde (Steven Mcgrath).

Slavonian Grebe, Orgreave Lagoons, South Yorkshire (Tom Hines).

Long-tailed Duck, Holy Island, Northumberland (Morgan Stephenson).