Thirsty cedar waxwings come in for a drink
I moved my fountain to the edge of the covered patio this winter, to free myself from the near-daily task of cleaning out crape myrtle litter during the summer. Another upside is that now I can watch birds at the fountain from my office window.
A few days ago I spotted several cedar waxwings lined up along the rim and dipping down to drink. All that berry hunting is hard work!
I took pictures through my window (glass and screen), so they aren’t crisp. But I was happy to capture the birds’ antics without scaring them off. Cedar waxwings are sleekly beautiful birds with smooth gray feathers, black mask, yellow rump, and flicker of red on their wings.
The water cooler gang turned out to be part of a cedar waxwing convention in the backyard. I looked out the kitchen window and saw fluttering confetti swirling through the air — waxwings by the dozens, a hundred maybe! With my binoculars I could see birds landing on a tree beyond our fence and dipping into a cavity. Aha! That hollow is holding water from a recent drizzle — a natural bird bath.
It’s likely a mosquito incubator in the summer, dang it. But I’m glad to know wildlife like these visiting birds have water sources I hadn’t even known about — and high in a tree, to boot!
Come back any time, my feathered friends.
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Digging Deeper
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All material © 2024 by Pam Penick for Digging. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
Details on the water fountain please?
Thanks
I got it from Hill Country Water Gardens in Cedar Park about 2 years ago.
The Cedar Waxwings are such an elegant bird. They and the Robins used to come through and strip the holly bush in late Winter at our old place. We saw them one time along a trail by the San Jacinto Monument – there were, I believe, yaupons they were visiting. A wonderful bird.
I really enjoy these beautiful winter visitors.
Cedar waxwings are always a delight. Sadly, I haven’t seen any here since our native Toyon suddenly dropped dead. There are plenty more of those in the neighborhood so I imagine they’ve still got lots to eat as they migrate through our area but I miss their communal baths in our fountain.
Dang, I’m sorry to hear they don’t come visit anymore, Kris. This is what makes losing plants so hard. It’s about more than just how a plant looks. It’s the habitat and food it provides.
Thoroughly charming post, Pam! Thank you 🙂
Thanks for reading, Mary!
I envy you these visitors. They never stop heThere are many berried bushes and trees in nearby woodlands.
You have good habitat. Maybe you’ll get a flock one day. I don’t usually see them at ground level either.
They are beautiful birds; I always enjoy their high-pitched whistles…especially when they flock in the garden for berries and blooms. They’re with us year-round, but more plentiful in spring through autumn.
You’re lucky to see them all year — such pretty birds!