One of my birding stops today was Greenfield Park in Milwaukee. I came across a flock of Cedar Waxwings high in a tree. I noticed what was taking place, the Cedar Waxwings would take turns coming down to what I think were Buckthorn berries and eating just a couple of them. After a couple of berries for each bird, a short rest would take place high up in the tree, then they would repeat the feeding. Probably were getting the food down in them during the rest period. The Cedar Waxwings would pick through the berries and if they were not ripe, they would spit them out. The birds put on a nice show for the few minutes I watched then on a nice sunny day, low winds and temps around 23 degrees. Images were taken on January 21, 2020.
I especially like the fourth one from the bottom – quite a distinctive profile of the bird. I bet they were fun to watch. Thanks for including the one he threw away.
Beautiful photos Jim! We used to get these in our Mountain Ash Tree, but sadly not for many years. They are such endlessly fascinating birds!!
Great shots and such beautiful colors. I love their high voices. Saw some once passing high bush cranberries down a line of them perched on a power line. And one time two passing a service berry back and forth like they were kissing. Thank you as always.
Wonderful.photos, Jim. They are beautiful birds!
Fantastic photos Jim. Kind fun to see them actually doing the things you were describing in your email. Great action shots. Thank you so much for sharing all the pictures.
In every pose, absolutely exquisite creature. Their feathers are so fine, one can imagine a delicate figurine sculptured by an artist. Since they show up in groups, it’s a bit breathtaking! Wild birds not discriminating – the invasive buckthorn an acceptable snack. Thanks, Jim!
Beautiful photos of this sleek, handsome species, Jim.
Just what one needs to see on a January day. I didn’t know that they would glean berries and then reject them if they weren’t up to waxwing standards. Thanks for the education!
Beautiful photos Jim my wife and I have some that nest in our mulberry tree behind our house in KY and I love watching them. Thank you on the education also.