Welcome, Cedar Waxwings!

Bon Bon Pond received a rare treat this weekend when a flock of around 20 “masked bandits” stopped in to dine on the cedars along the driveway.  One of my favorite avians, Cedar Waxwings are a joy to behold with their sleek physiques, distinctive face masks, yellow tail tips and, in adulthood, red wing tips. 

Smaller groups fly in from time to time but this was the largest flock to date.  No doubt these “Batman birds” were drawn in by this year’s bumper crop of blue berry-like cones. 

Cold Weather Birding Tip:  Waxwings adore water so if you hope to see some this winter put out a heated bird bath.

The Ol' Watering Hole

Every once in a while I get lucky and capture a most interesting shot. Unfortunately, the photo below had to be resized to fit my page limitations so the facial expressions of the birds aren’t easy to see. Look closely, though, and I’m sure you’ll agree it certainly seems as if the Goldfinches and Cedar Waxwings are having quite the conversation.  

I’m not surprised.  From time immemorial, the “ol’ watering hole” has been the place for gossip, gastronomy and good times. Bottoms up, my fine feathered friends!

Welcome Friends!

Nothing brings more excitement to Bon Bon Pond than new guest birds!  Today we were treated to ten gorgeous visitors. I was outside and noticed the flock gathered around the front yard bird bath. Carefully inching closer I spotted what looked something like Cedar Waxwings but with heavily streaked breasts. I ran inside and grabbed my bible, Stan Tekiela’s Birds of Minnesota, and learned that this is the mark of the adolescents. Armed with my camera I rushed back outside, in time to capture one beauty still at the bath. 

What a treat!  During the dead of winter Cedar Waxwings pass thru, attracted by the fresh water I keep available year round, but I’ve never seen them so early in the autumn. 

I had hoped the backyard cedars would attract waxwings as regular residents, but, sadly, that never happened.  Last weekend, after much careful consideration, the decision was made to remove these trees as they were not attractive and made lawn mowing and leaf removal difficult.  With the majority of our cedars now gone (four remain along the driveway) I was surprised to see this flock of waxwings. 

This summer’s oppressive heat and accompanying drought conditions have been hard on the shallow-rooted cedars so perhaps berries are fewer causing the waxwings to move around in search of food?

I have an unscientific theory why some species don’t reside fulltime at Bon Bon Pond:  birds that do not eat seeds or suet or nectar are turned off by the large number of birds that do.   For instance, the robins left when I started feeding.  Occasionally--usually after mowing--I will spot a few red-breasts picking thru the grass clippings but they shy away from the feeder areas. 

This unwritten rule, however, goes out the window in winter where EVERYONE comes in for the water.  Whatever, the season, the avian Welcome Mat is always out at Bon Bon Pond!