An unusual species of bird is enjoying a winter holiday in the UK with flocks spotted in a car parks and gardens in Medway.

Large numbers of waxwings have been seen across Britain, leading the RSPB to describe it as a “waxwing winter”. There have been around 230 sightings in Kent.

At this time of year, the birds come from Scandinavia and Russia looking for berries.

If there is a particularly poor food supply or harsh weather, more of the birds arrive than usual, and this year is looking like it could be a bumper year.

Flocks are moving across the country, from east to west, devouring berries.

The birds, which do not breed in the UK, are being spotted in parks, back gardens and supermarket car parks, trilling to one another.

Their distinctive appearance – with a black “robber’s” eye mask, crest and red and yellow tail – makes the species noticeable to both birdwatchers and non-birdwatchers alike.

Graham Bird spotted 10 waxwings outside the Bounty pub in Bligh Way, Strood, on Friday last week.

The 56-year-old birdwatcher, from Strood, said: “I saw a post on Twitter about them being there, so I went down to take a look.

“There is usually an influx every three or four years. The last was in 2013. They won’t be around for much longer. Usually they are all gone by the end of March as temperatures improve in Scandinavia and Russia.”

Amateur photographer Terry Laws captured a picture of one of the birds outside the pub, after travelling from Orpington to see them. He said: “The numbers have built up, there are about 12 there now.”

Kevin Gearey reported seeing at least 20 waxwings in a holly tree near his home in Rochester. Within a day they had devoured all the berries on it.

Susan Green, of Fallowfield, Chatham, contacted the Messenger after spotting a waxwing in her garden. She said: “It was quickly joined by a few others, making a small flock of about six.”

RSPB blogger Jamie Wyver said: “Waxwings aren’t shy and are generally comfortable around people, so you can usually get amazing views of them as they feed.”

To encourage waxwings into your garden, the RSPB advise you to try spiking a pear on a stick or threading fruit slices on a string and dangling them from tree branches.