The cedar waxwings blew through a few weeks ago. As a species, their M.O. is to show up like locusts, eat every berry in the state, poop on everyone's cars, and then vanish within a day. I respect it, i suppose.

sold

some waxwings!

Collection of foreign and rare birds, and some strange animals and plant crops - George Edwards, Mark Catesby, and J.M. Seligmann - c. 1749-1776 - via e-rara

Bohemian Waxwings feeding in Ely, Minnesota

Taken February 2024

BOTD: Bohemian Waxwing

Photo: Silver Leapers

"During summer in Alaska and western Canada, scattered Bohemian Waxwings may be seen perching on spruce tops and flying out to catch insects in mid-air. In winter these same birds become sociable nomads, with large flocks wandering the northwest in search of berries. Sometimes they stray as far east as New England, but in most areas their numbers are quite variable from year to year (the name 'Bohemian' reflects their unconventional and seemingly carefree lifestyle). However, in some cities in the prairie provinces of Canada, Bohemians can be found by the thousands every winter, no doubt lured by the plantings of mountain-ash and other fruiting trees."

- Audubon Field Guide

Teppo Terä (Finnish, 1935–2014), "Winter View with Waxwings", 1991

03/01/2024-Waxwings and Red Kite at Farnham

It was a joyous and exceptional experience to fulfil a hope this winter today of seeing Waxwings at the third time of trying so far this year the second time here. I was in my element as loads of these vibrant and voracious birds flew into a tall tree staying for a while and a few times descended upon a white berry laden tree to feed, getting sensational views of these birds in magical golden winter sunlight the birds among the berries with the sun shining against dark clouds at one point was an exquisite, colourful and busy scene. I feel so thankful that I was able to come here and see these birds today, the sixth time I've had the pleasure of seeing them and they are a species that have irruptive winters coming into the UK especially down south so it's always a once in a blue moon thing for me seeing them and they create a fantastic buzz across those into birds/wildlife and those not so much alike. Alongside the Little Grebe at Winnall Moors earlier in the day it brought my bird year list to 50, when considering everything for this year that was my target amount of species to see in my week off to start the year to start my year list so I'm thrilled to reach it in three days which have been brilliant. Whilst watching the Waxwings the Red Kite, possibly the one that was the star when I was here on New Year's Day unsuccessfully looking for the Waxwings, paraded over in nice light which was epic to see.

Other highlights here were Jackdaw, Blackbird which scared the Waxwings off at one point, a Goldfinch I believe that very quickly flew into the tree with the Waxwings a dream scene as I always say the rare Waxwing is one of few birds that can upstage a Goldfinch for striking colour, yarrow seen again and snowberries. It was good to see Red Kite and Pheasants on the journeys today.

Uncharismatic Fact of the Day

Flowers are a universal symbold for romance; this goes doubly for birds. Many males in species like the cedar waxwing offer their potential mates flowers, berries, or other brightly colored objects as part of their mating ritual, which often also includes a complicated dance.

(Image: A male (left) and female (right) cedar waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) performing a courtship ritual by Minette Layna)

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Heath and Woodland Birds. Written / illustrated by John Leigh-Pemberton. 1968.

Miami Vice in the house!

I find Cedar Waxwings fascinating, they are so beautiful with their cool Miami Vice look. They never visit my feeders and only show up in groups at certain times of the year, so I think I am extra excited to see them. I admit we also planted a lot of native bushes and plants to attract them so I would have photo opportunities, but everything is still small. Anyways, please enjoy this group at the bath.

took a little break, but back with some waxwings I did!

How cute are Waxwings?

📸 Jeff's Wildlife

Dictionnaire universel d'histoire naturelle - Charles d’Orbigny - c.1844-1849 - via e-rara

Golden hour in Ely, Minnesota

Taken February 2024

Pear Blossoms and Bohemian Waxwings taken from ‘Bairei's Picture Album of Birds and Flowers’ by Kōno Bairei.

Woodblock print. Published 1883.

National Diet Library.

Wikimedia.

Cedar Waxwing. Douglas Douven. Ontario, Canada.