Cedar Waxwings
| 3 imagesA few days ago, I heard a bird I did not recognize. Smallish, slightly smaller than a Kingbird, yet catching the bugs out of the air right alongside several Eastern Kingbirds. After watching for a little while, one landed on a tree right next to me, and I realized it was probably a Cedar Waxwing. I was a little surprised, I thought that normally, these birds moved north for the summer as they preferred the cold, but there they were, maybe half a dozen, zipping about Cherry Creek. I’d never seen a Waxwing before, neither Bohemian nor Cedar, but I’d always wanted to. I was pretty happy for the opportunity. They are almost as elusive as Kingbirds, rarely perching for more than a few seconds before blasting off again for some aerial acrobatics and bug snatching. I did manage to capture an excellent shot of the one that landed right next to me while it observed the sky for its next morsel.
Great shots, Jon. Much better than mine, sigh… 😉
Thanks! I think the close-ups were luck of the draw…it just so happened that one landed nearly on top of me. If not for that, the one of it perched in a thicket is the best I got.
Nice head shot! They really are beautifully decorated little birds. What a nice treat.
Fantastic!!!
Thanks, Steve!
Your welcome!
Wow those are beauties!
Aye! I’ve always loved photos I’ve seen of the Waxwings…I really love their crest. Was so happy to see some in person, finally!
Beautiful captures – these are such cool looking birds
Thanks, Nora! They are indeed awesome looking! I’ve always loved birds with upturned crests…like jays or tufted titmice. I have to say, though…the beauty of a Cedar Waxwing, especially with those red and yellow tipped wings, is pretty much unmatched in my book.