Camera Critters---Cedar Waxwings

Yesterday was one of those gorgeous winter days that make it impossible to stay inside. So I headed out with cameras and Miz Winnie (the dawg). I was in search of at least one good bird photo to start the new year out right. We had been out for quite a while, and I had just mumbled to Miz Winnie that it looked like we were'nt going to score any bird photos when lo and behold we came upon a flock of Cedar Waxwings. I think they are a very elegant bird.

Cedar Waxwings are almost always found in large flocks. They are berry eaters. Waxwings are named for the waxy droplets at the end of their secondaries. Translated to nonbirdspeak, that means the red area on the wing that is very apparent in the first photo.


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Went out to Branched Oak Lake again this afternoon. In the melted area there were more Canada Geese than yesterday. Added to yesterdays mix were Common Goldeneyes and Redheads. Yesterday there were three Ring-billed Gulls, today there were at least fifty. The two Bald Eagles were still there, though not sitting in the trees keeping watch.

There has been a large nesting box that I have often wondered about. Today I found out who is, at least presently, using it. When I saw him, he was about half way out of the box. When I stopped, he retreated, but kept an eye on me. I opened the sunroof and got this shot of him. Was sure opening the sunroof would totally spook him, but it didn't.


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Headed south to Pawnee Lake to see if the lake was melting also. It was. There was a nice sized mixed flock of Canada, Cackling, and Greater White-fronted Geese. There were also two Snow Geese.

There were also at least two good sized flocks of Cedar Waxwings.


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