Cedar Waxwing from Google
A treat to find in your binocular viewfield, the Cedar Waxwing is a silky, shiny collection of brown, gray, and lemon-yellow, accented with a subdued crest, rakish black mask, and brilliant-red wax droplets on the wing feathers. In fall these birds gather by the hundreds to eat berries, filling the air with their high, thin, whistles. In summer you’re as likely to find them flitting about over rivers in pursuit of flying insects, where they show off dazzling aeronautics for a forest bird.
Waxwing refers to the red on the tip of the wing. They travel in flocks, congregate at holly trees and any water source. We've been honored to have them in our yard 2 times. The below pictures were early January 2026. I was inside my pictures are not as good as the ones below taken in 2012.
Will cedar waxwings come to feeders? Although bird feeders hold no attraction for them, Cedar Waxwings may come to visit your winter yard if you have any plants that bear fruits or berries.
(FYI: all the debris on the other side of the fence belongs to our neighbor...It is where he stores material from projects. We have paid to have Skip Laurel shrubs planted along the fence to hide lots it. The big area where there is not shrub has tree stump and roots. We can't plant there)
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Notice on upper left there is a Cedar Waxwing coming for a landing. We had probably 20 all over the back yard in the holly on the dogwood waiting their turn for a sip of water.
Last sighting was February 2012...14 years.
I was outside when they visited got excellent photos.
They winter in our area but Mom rarely sees them. Yesterday
there were dozens and dozens of them in our backyard and at our birdbath. They normally migrate to our mountains in early March
Mom says the mild winter must have them confused.
Note the red tips (thus wax wing) on their wings and their yellow tipped tail
EXTRA Nature Friday from my friend in Palm Coast, Florida.
Sunday February 1 it was 23 degrees at wake up
Photo was taken Feb 2, 2026, it was 26 at wake up
. This is a fountain at her office
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Click here Hostess Miss Mimi
FLASH BACK with Madi 2012
Madison D Cat aka Kitchen Kop
It’s always a thrill to see cedar waxwings at the holly trees. Their appearance gives off seriousness vibes, like they’re all business.
ReplyDeleteMadi would not give my under sink area her approval. Cali has figured out to get in them & she “ rearranges she pleases! 😹
we love this wonderful birds... its a gift from mother nature
ReplyDeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteAlthough supposedly numerous here at certain times of year, I have yet to lay eyes on a Cedar Waxwing myself. Even one of my faves, the Fieldfare, has not been sighted for a few years now... I'm glad you got such a seal of approval from Madi's inspection! YAM xx
It is lovely to see the waxwings. They used to come here every year for the winter from Scandinavia, but we rarely see them now. Angel Madi was a very good kitchen inspector.
ReplyDeleteThe frozen fountain looks beautiful.
The Cedar Waxwings are sooooo beautiful and believe it or not, mom has never seen one, other than in photos. Our kitchen cupboard door have been open a lot lately as mom doesn't want any frozen pipes, Madi!
ReplyDeleteAngel Madie I think you made the perfect kitchen partner with your mom. When we finally see Cedar Wax Wings we will know winter is over for sure. They don't usually get here until about may. They are an extremely beautiful bird. The water fountain was also extremely beautiful but totally unnecessary with ice.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen a Cedar Waxwing except in pictures.
ReplyDeleteAngel Madi did an excellent job of inspecting the kitchen.
The neighbor with Nelson's girlfriend always has a big mess in the yard and now they have their huge camper trailer parked in the driveway so we get to look at that too. Luckily, Mom isn't very fussy about things like that but still the yard doesn't bother us nearly as much as the huge trailer.
ReplyDeleteThe first time I ever saw Cedar Waxwings I was swept away by their beauty. Look at their feathers...they are as smooth as porcelain. There is not a ruffle nor a seam so to speak, on them. Smooth as a painting! Amazingly so.
ReplyDeleteWe have lots of fruit trees and shrubs so we see lots of cedar waxwings all summer long.
ReplyDeleteCharlee: "BIRD!!! Our Mama and Dada say they used to get cedar waxwings around their house when they used to live in New York. So lucky!"
ReplyDeleteChaplin: "Angel Madi, it looks like your mom is a lot better about keeping things tidy than our Mama and Dada are. I bet you would not give us nearly as good a report as that!"
Lovely Cedar Waxwings ~ glad you are having a mild winter??? ~ not here!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos of Madi ~ hugs,
Hugs to you Cecilia and Angel Madi ~ xo
SQUEE!!! What a great sight that must have been! I love Cedar Waxwings and don't know if I have ever caught a glimpse of one here, I used to see them when we were in California.
ReplyDeletehugs,
Beth
That's a very pretty birdie, I don't remember seeing those down here! You sure have a messy neighbor!
ReplyDeleteIt's been years since I saw a Cedar Waxwing and that was when we were on vacation. They are awesome birds! Madi is so cute! Thank you for the smile this post gave me. Hugs, Denise
ReplyDeleteCedar Waxwings are the most beautiful! We had them on The Tiny Ten. How fun you photographed them. HAHAHA... Madi, the Inspector General♥
ReplyDeleteAngel Madi kept her folks in line. :) They are beautiful birds. None around here. xO
ReplyDeleteThey are stunning. Thanks for informing me about them.
ReplyDeleteWow, never heard of or saw wax wings. I'll have to keep an eye out now. Glad Madi approved of your housekeeping, Cecilia!
ReplyDelete