WAXWINGS

I love the winter months for various reasons. The arrival of the Bohemian & Cedar Waxwings is high on my list of winter wonders here in northeastern Minnesota. Number two on the list is the advent of the Pine Grosbeaks... who shall be headlined in a future post.

The Bohemian Waxwings showed up first this year, they flew in to the Caribou Trail around the 29th of December. I spent many days following them to different mountain ash trees. The flocks of both Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings like to hang out in the mountain ash feeding on the berries. They usually stay in the area and strip the tree clean of the berries. Although Cook County is a hotbed of mountain ash trees, there are usually berries "hanging on" through spring.

The waxwings are a beacon of light and color here on the "frozen tundra" and are arguably the most beautiful birds to photograph...  I hope you enjoy the following gallery of images.



Bohemian Waxwing


Bohemian Waxwing


Cedar Waxwing


Cedar Waxwing


Cedar Waxwing


Cedar Waxwing


This Pileated Woodpecker joined the waxwings in a berry feast... he flew right over my head and settled in for lunch.

"The birds with 'Feathers of Silk' grace our presence and are a beacon of color in the white winter landscape."  D. Brislance