A Special Treat

There are times in one's life that makes you pause and stand in awe of the wonders of our planet.  There is a multitude of diversity in plants, animals, birds, and people.  

Twice now I have been given the gift of a special sighting.

In the 18 years that Bill and I have been living here, I have only seen the Waxwing bird twice come through the back yard. The first time was 5 years ago.  I was sitting at the table which faces the birdbath outside when a flock of the most beautiful birds came to refresh themselves there. We always keep the bird identification book near, so the birds stayed long enough for an ID. Cedar Waxwings! They are rather large, sleek, and gather and move in large number flocks.

 Cedar Waxwing (wish I could say it was my picture!)

Two days ago it happened again.  This time a larger flock came through the yard but stayed on wing.  It was such a fast fly-by that there was no time to totally take it all in.  Just by instinct 'Waxwings, Waxwings' came to mind.

Out to the Internet to gather more information and find out what they feed on so we can start planting and redesigning the landscaping to lure them in more often.  

"Wikipedia:  Preferred habitat consists of trees at the edge of wooded areas, or "open" forests, especially those that provide access to berry sources as well as water. Waxwings are attracted to the sound of running water, and love to bathe in and drink from shallow creeks. In urban or suburban environments, waxwings often favor parkland with well-spaced trees; golf courses, cemeteries, or other landscaping with well-spaced trees; bushes that provide berries; and a water source, including fountains or birdbaths, is always a big plus. If you have a love for these birds, you will want to have berry bushes near you."

For sure we don't have a golf course or a cemetery (but does it count the pet cat we buried?) - we do have a birdbath (proven to work once), trees - plenty.


"The Cedar Waxwing eats berries and sugary fruit year-round, with insects becoming an important part of the diet in the breeding season. Its fondness for the small cones of the Eastern Redcedar (a kind of juniper) gave this bird its common name.

When the end of a twig holds a supply of berries that only one bird at a time can reach, members of a flock may line up along the twig and pass berries beak to beak down the line so that each bird gets a chance to eat."




Sugary fruit - would the native blackberries count as the hill is overran with them.  But if this is a yes, then way haven't we seen the Waxwing every year when the berries ripen???  And insects, golly gee, there are plenty of these as the swallows feed on flight every night for them. 


If any one has these birds as frequent visitors in their yards, please share with us what brings them into your area.

Happy bird-watching !