Cedar Waxwing - A Silky Bandit

Cedar Waxwing

We are in the middle of fall so most of the local birds have left for the season but some interesting species that we don’t normally see are currently passing through on their way south. Last week we watched as a flock of silky bandits raided fruit from the bushes that surround Evergreen Lake.

The Cedar Waxwing is a beautiful bird painted with a shiny palette of brown, gray and lemon-yellow. It’s most striking characteristics are the regal crown, yellow-tipped tail, a devious black mask outlined in white and the brilliant-red wax droplets accenting the wing feathers.

The happy, little gang of marauders gorged themselves on berries and other sugary fruit to the point of intoxication. A few of the birds ventured out over the water in order to capture tasty insects while still on the wing.

They flitted about from branch to branch while calling to each other with a thin whistle and they took great delight in splashing around the shallow creek. Unfortunately, the late travelers didn’t stay for long as the weather is starting to turn.

I’m sad to see all of our colorful, summer visitors pack up and leave but I’m happy to have the quiet, rocky trails back to myself. It won’t be long now and this place will become a deserted sanctuary for the snow.

A silky bandit

A beautiful bird

Colored with a shiny palette

Yellow-tipped tail

A black mask

They eat fruit and berries

They flitted from branch to branch

They didn't stay for long

Comments

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