Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Cedar Waxwings of the Vermilon River. A Post to World Bird Wednesday.

Moulting Immature

Part Colony

Whole Colony



 


 To the south and on European web sites, I have been treated to some great photos of waxwings, usually Bohemian as opposed to my buddy, the Cedar waxwing. After looking at them on these web sites I find that I miss my guys. They are an extremely friendly bird, that live together in flocks, that I can find anywhere, but in berry season near the berry trees, of which there is no shortage in this forest. They are also extremely elegant looking.

So I gathered a few facts together about them:
1) They eat insects when berries are not available; thus aiding insect control.
2) As far as berries go they are voracious eaters. Berries figure in their courtship ritual, in that the male and female exchange berries. As well they nest near berry trees in the peak berry season.
3) They are social living in flocks and constantly chattering.

For further information see: http://canadianbiodiversity.mcgill.ca/. and  http://nationalzoo.si.edu/scbi/migratorybirds/  See the essay: Robert Rice, Cedar Waxwings: The Moveable Feaster.
For more bird sites see: World Bird Wednesday @ http://pineriverreview.blogspot.com/
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32 comments:

  1. Dawn FineJanuary 4, 2011 at 9:42 AM

    I love Cedar Waxwings..they came thru here by the hundreds with the Robins eating all the Holly Berries..dont see there here since we have returned from a two week road trip...:(

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  2. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 10:41 AM

    To Dawn: Pushing on to greener pastures or should I say looking for more berries.

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  3. SpringmanJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:14 AM

    Gary,
    I'm in your camp, for my money there is no more elegant bird in the north woods than the Cedar Waxwing. There are more over the top species when it comes to sheer color like the male Cardinal but as your beautiful pictures illustrate the subtle pastels of this gorgeous bird hold the eye like no other! ;-)WBW

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  4. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:26 AM

    To Springman: Plus just the sheer fun they seem to have.

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  5. Bob BushellJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:32 AM

    The Cedar Waxwing is a bird we get none, we get the Bohemian type, anyway, you caught some beautifully.

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  6. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:37 AM

    Hi Bob: Maybe they split the berry crop by world territory. Although I think Bohemians have been seen NW of me.

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  7. theconstantwalkerJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:54 AM

    We have had Waxwings in massive numbers in the UK this winter. A fantastic looking bird I had not even seen until this year.
    Your Cedar Waxwings are beatiful birds.
    Lovely images Gary.

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  8. Maude LynnJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:57 AM

    Lovely pictures!

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  9. mickJanuary 4, 2011 at 11:59 AM

    They are beautiful little birds and I am sure the interaction within the flock would be interesting to watch.

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  10. Mike B. @ slugyard.comJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:00 PM

    One of my favorite birds! We had a colony of them around our house last spring.

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  11. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:51 PM

    I think we all like them because of their propensity to flock together, and who can resist the chattering and that mohawk cut. Thanks for the visit Mike.

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  12. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:52 PM

    To Mick: The interaction can be quite funny as they seem to play with one another.Thanks for the visit.

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  13. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:53 PM

    Hi Mama Zen. Thanks for the visit and kind words.

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  14. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 12:58 PM

    Hi Andrew. I think all of yours are Bohemian Waxwings. All of mine are Cedar waxwings, except that Bohemians have been seen NW of me. But whatever they're fun guys.By the way we have Brown Creepers here and now I'm on the look out.

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  15. Dominic GendronJanuary 4, 2011 at 1:43 PM

    Gotta love those amazing bird!

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  16. UnknownJanuary 4, 2011 at 2:07 PM

    You certainly do,Dominic, and thanks for the visit.

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  17. SondraJanuary 4, 2011 at 4:47 PM

    One of my very favorite birds! I love to watch them come in and strip a tree of berries! I would love to touch those beautiful feathers! Great Photos!!!!

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  18. Empty NesterJanuary 4, 2011 at 7:46 PM

    I love these birds. I remember the first time I saw one. He just sat in the tree and posed for me!

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  19. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:52 AM

    To Dixxe: I think these guys almost have their own fan club.

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  20. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:53 AM

    To EmptyNester: I also think they like to have their pictures taken.

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  21. BeckyJanuary 5, 2011 at 8:04 AM

    I must have missed this post. I love Waxwings, and have seen them around here, but have only got close enough for pictures a few times. Such a soft beautiful bird.
    B.

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  22. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 11:50 AM

    Thanks Becky & Gary. They're a favourite of mine.

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  23. Iowa Gardening WomanJanuary 5, 2011 at 5:47 PM

    Beautiful photos! We get Cedar Waxwings in our area, fun birds to watch.

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  24. UnknownJanuary 5, 2011 at 9:01 PM

    Thsy're sort of like the Chickadees fun to watch their antics.

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  25. Adam TiltJanuary 6, 2011 at 4:27 AM

    Cracking shots. I've been trying to find some Waxwings in the UK but haven't had any luck yet.

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  26. UnknownJanuary 6, 2011 at 5:57 AM

    I hope you catch up to them, Adam. They're quite an experience.

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  27. LarryJanuary 6, 2011 at 9:25 PM

    Beautiful shots of, as you say, a very elegant bird. The always look so perfectly groomed Gary. That molting one you found is the first I have ever seen in that state. Fascinating. Whenever I see a flock, I always check them for wandering Bohemians. Like the American Robin, they sure can strip a bush of berries!

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  28. AnonymousJanuary 7, 2011 at 2:39 AM

    Great photos - the composition with the three birds is great! Thanks for the information on these fabulous birds!

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  29. UnknownJanuary 7, 2011 at 5:42 AM

    To Larry: I think you're right about the errant Bohemians, and I'm going to keep my eyes open next year.

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  30. UnknownJanuary 7, 2011 at 5:43 AM

    The 3 bird pic. is my favourite too, dreamfalcon.

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  31. MaryJanuary 7, 2011 at 5:13 PM

    Lovely! They really are elegant looking birds. I never tire of them. I only see them briefly when the crab apple trees have fruit or flowers that interest them. I've never seen an immature one.

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  32. UnknownJanuary 7, 2011 at 9:28 PM

    The forest is so full of berries that they nest here Mary.

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