While out for a walk on a crisp spring morning, I happened to stumble upon a small tree, no more than 18 feet tall loaded with Cedar Waxwings. As the temperature was not much over 40 degrees, they were all basking in the warm early morning light. I am not sure what type of tree they were in as it had no leaves, only these blooms on it. The waxwings were really enjoying eating all the buds. Waxwings usually feed on berries, especially from the Cedar tree, hence their name, they will also eat insects caught as they fly.
Many people feel this is one of the most beautiful of all birds. They can be found in northern North America for breeding and then go to Panama for the winters. The last few years, I have seen them year round in the midwest. They will be seen in flocks. Their population is on the rise in Illinois.
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One of the birds eating on the tree buds. You can see a bit of the red
"wax" markings on his wing. This mark is actually a cuticle type casing similar to what a new feather grows in around. Only the adult waxwings will have these. |
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| A small portion of the tree the Waxwings were in. I believe there are thirteen birds in this shot. Can you find them all? |
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