Incredible Cedar Waxwings Feeding Frenzy!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Battle for the Berries
3. The Arrival of the Cedar Waxwings
4. The Waxwings' Strategy
5. Watching the Feeding Frenzy
6. The Waxwings' Eating Habits
7. The Nomadic Life of Cedar Waxwings
8. The Ground Frenzy
9. Ground Feeding and Waxwing Appearance
10. The Aftermath

🌿 The Battle for the Berries

In a quiet neighborhood, not too far from our house, a holly tree stood as a beacon of sustenance for the local bird population. As winter neared its end, the tree's bright red berries caught the attention of the mockingbirds and robins, who relied on them for nourishment. However, their peaceful feast was soon disrupted by the arrival of a dozen or so cedar waxwings. The local birds, not willing to share their prized berry stash, attempted to chase away the invaders. But little did they know that the waxwings were not easily defeated.

🐦 The Arrival of the Cedar Waxwings

By the time I arrived on the scene with my camera, the waxwings had multiplied in number. The original dozen had grown to a flock of 60 or 70. The local birds had no choice but to yield to the invaders, much to their dismay. Throughout the day, the robins grumbled and complained about the situation. Although there were occasional skirmishes, with a lone waxwing getting too close to a robin, most of the time the invaders worked seamlessly together.

🖌️ The Waxwings' Strategy

The cedar waxwings had a strategy that proved to be quite effective. Instead of wandering aimlessly around the tree, they picked a specific section and worked it together. It was like a crew of farm workers meticulously harvesting produce. By doing so, they ensured that none of the berries would be left untouched. The waxwings started at the top of the tree and progressively worked their way down to the lower branches. Their quick movements and coordinated efforts made it challenging to keep track of every bird in the frame.

🍒 Watching the Feeding Frenzy

Observing the waxwings in action was akin to trying to track all the pool balls on a break shot. Their rapid movements made it difficult for my eyes to keep up. The birds didn't waste any time chewing; instead, they swiftly gulped down each berry, followed by several more. Then, as if on cue, they would fly away, resembling a group of flying croissants with wings. They conducted numerous quick raids every hour, seldom staying in one spot for more than a minute. Between their feeding frenzies, they perched on the highest tree nearby, keeping a watchful eye for any potential threats.

🍽️ The Waxwings' Eating Habits

Unlike other birds, cedar waxwings do not chew their food. They simply swallow the berries whole, one after another, before quickly moving on. They are astonishingly efficient at hoovering up every berry within reach within a matter of seconds. Occasionally, they don't even land on a branch, preferring to flutter in front of the tree and pluck berries in mid-air. Their feeding behavior is reminiscent of hummingbirds. With their bellies satisfied, they would suddenly whoosh away as a group to rest and plan their next raid.

🌍 The Nomadic Life of Cedar Waxwings

For cedar waxwings, fruit is their primary source of food, except for a few flying insects they consume in warmer weather. As a result, they live a nomadic life, constantly on the move in search of new berry sources. Their tribes are ever-shifting, always wandering in pursuit of new feeding grounds. The tallest tree in an area serves as their lookout point, ensuring they are safe from predators like hawks. If a flock of waxwings congregates in one area, it would be naive to assume a hawk wouldn't attempt to seize such a plentiful opportunity.

🌳 The Ground Frenzy

As the day progressed, the holly berries on the tree vanished rapidly. The waxwings worked with remarkable speed, consuming every berry within their vicinity. By the afternoon, all that remained were the berries that had fallen to the ground during their earlier frenzied feasting. The flock was determined not to leave until they had devoured every last berry. This ground-feeding phase provided a closer, clearer view of these birds with their distinguished appearance and distinctive party mask-like markings.

🎨 Ground Feeding and Waxwing Appearance

The name "wax wing" derives from the red spots on their wings, which resemble beads of wax. However, upon closer inspection, one can appreciate that their entire body appears to be molded from wax. From the stylish crest on their heads to the yellow-tipped tail, every feather seems perfectly in place. These splashes of color on their wings and tail result from carotenoids present in the berries they consume. Interestingly, the older the bird, the larger and more vibrant the patches of color. It's almost as if these smidgens of red and yellow serve as status symbols within the tribe, signaling maturity and wisdom.

🌾 The Aftermath

After devouring the last of the holly berries, the waxwings moved on, leaving the holly tree and the ground beneath it bare. The robins and the local mockingbird were once again free to inhabit the tree peacefully. However, they would find no food waiting for them, only memories of the feast that once was. Their thoughts on the matter would likely echo the sentiment, "Dad gum cedar waxwings."

Highlights

• The arrival of cedar waxwings disrupts the peaceful feasting of local birds on holly berries.
• The waxwings employ a strategic approach to ensure no berry is left untouched.
• Watching the feeding frenzy of the waxwings is akin to tracking multiple pool balls in motion.
• Cedar waxwings have a unique eating habit of swallowing berries whole without chewing.
• Their nomadic lifestyle revolves around seeking new sources of fruit, making them ever-shifting tribes.
• Ground feeding provides a close-up look at their distinctive appearance and wax-like features.
• Red spots on their wings and tail serve as status symbols within the tribe, indicating age and maturity.
• The waxwings' feast leaves behind empty trees and a longing for the berries that once adorned them.

FAQ

Q: Are cedar waxwings native to this area? A: Yes, cedar waxwings are native to North America and can be found in various regions.

Q: Do cedar waxwings only eat berries? A: While berries are their primary food source, cedar waxwings also consume a few flying insects, particularly in warmer weather.

Q: How long do cedar waxwings stay in one area? A: Cedar waxwings are highly nomadic and constantly on the move in search of new berry sources. The length of their stay in a particular area can vary.

Q: How do cedar waxwings get their distinct red spots on their wings? A: The red spots on cedar waxwings' wings come from the carotenoids present in the berries they eat.

Q: Do cedar waxwings migrate? A: Cedar waxwings are not typical long-distance migrants, but they do undergo some movement in response to changing food availability.