We were visited by a migrating flock of Cedar waxwings this morning. We had a break in our rainstorm long enough for these beautiful birds to take a rest in the tree outside our window.
They were busy soaking in the sunshine and fluffing their wings and feathers.
Can you see the yellow tips to their tails?
Their bellies are a softer yellow and they have lovely crests of feathers on their heads.
But my favorite parts of all are their black masks and beaks.
These birds are not discussed in the Handbook of Nature Study, but we read over the section on beaks (Lesson 5) and migration (between Lesson 3 and 4) Then we looked Cedar waxwings up at AllAboutBirds.com and in our field guide.
After looking at the migratory map in the back of our Peterson Field Guide, we realize that these little birds travel all the way back up to Canada to breed. Truly amazing when you think about it for a minute.
What a great gift this morning to have these visitors to observe and enjoy.
Barb-Harmony Art Mom
In case you are wondering, I took these photos with my old point and shoot through the window….how about that? I was really happy with how great they turned out. 🙂
I’ve only seen cedar waxwings twice, but I love them. I hope we get a flock through here!
They are BEAUTIFUL!!!! What a treat! They remind me a lot of Cardinals…oh how I miss my cardinals. I get to see them in June though! :o)
Wow! I’m shocked that you took those with a point & shoot AND through a window. Wow!
And, I’d seen Cedar Waxwings at my mom’s several times. Then, earlier this year, I saw some in our neighbors trees. Well, this week, two of them decided to get in our waterfall in our pool and take a bath! It was so cute! And, I just love the cedar waxwings, so I was thrilled.:-)
My favorite bird! We had a flock last year in our backyard, and they were so fun to watch. I love their masks too.
i have one fond memory of watching cedar waxwings through my paternal grandma’s window. she had a bush outside her office, and they would pass berries to each other. a point and shoot would have been lovely then.