Friday, August 27, 2010

Cedar Waxwing

This Cedar Waxwing is the beautiful creature I promised you yesterday. I have so many pictures of bugs, but this wonderful bird just could not wait any longer. I found a whole flock of these birds while I was down looking at a river that flows from a big dam.

I saw them leisurely, but swiftly flying over the river, back and forth. I wondered what they were doing and I was also determined to get a few pictures too. I became very glad that these birds happened to be as curious of me as I was of them.

Many of them slowed down their flight to come over and see what I was doing. This didn't actually get me the pictures I wanted, but it did let me know I was going to have the chance to get them. What I ended up doing was getting my pictures whenever they would land in the trees across the river.

I couldn't really see what kind of birds they were with my own eyes, but the camera was able to do exactly what I wanted. I kept seeing curious flashes of yellow on these birds, and I wondered if maybe I had goldfinches or something similar.

The yellow turned out to be from their tails. And the rest of their body is that cream color that you see, but with some creamy yellow thrown in, mostly on the lower breast of the birds. You can also see some red bands on their wings. These birds may be the most colorful wild birds I've ever seen, even though most of their bodies seem to be that creamy tan color.

Something I really like about these Cedar Waxwings is that cool superhero mask they have, along with their head crest. The mask gives them an almost hawk-like appearance. So when I was trying to find out just what bird I had here, I wondered if maybe they were some kind of small hawk.

I doubted that last theory, but I didn't want to discount it too soon. There are very many birds I had never seen before, so it took me awhile to find their identity. I got lucky and had a little help in my search with these this time, so it became easier than usual for me.

When I first found these birds they were flying back and forth over the river. I think I said that before. I found out later that the birds were doing that so they could catch and eat the bugs that were also flying over that river. That's why I stopped the bug pictures for now. The birds ate them all!

These Cedar Waxwings are proof to me that nature is a never ending source for amazement. Just when I think I had see everything and I couldn't be surprised and delighted, along came these birds to remind me that I am only just getting started.

Cedar Waxwings may be the coolest looking birds I have ever discovered up to this point. They are at least my current favorite. I can't wait to see what will come next to give me a wonderful surprise. Nature, here I come!


Nature Center Magazine - It's time for a new Free Wallpaper. This time we have another cool butterfly photo. It's all for you!

23 comments:

  1. It's always a pleasure to find something that matters.

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  2. That's what I like about your blog Ratty, the never ending enthusiasm for the natural world put in front of your readers like a daily prize!

    Bill:www.wildramblings.com

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  3. What great pictures of a truly beautiful bird. Really, really pretty!

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  4. I have seen numerous birds flocking. It is fun to see how they work together after a solitary summer.They are headed south.

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  5. Cedar Waxwings are a very cool birds to watch. I'm glad you got to add them to your life list. Nature truly is amazing!

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  6. You are right Ratty. The cedar waxwing does have a super-hero look in retro sort of way. I see them only occasionally around here. The same with orioles.

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  7. I love cedar waxwings! They only come around my house when the mulberry tree is loaded with fruit. Then there is a swarm!

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  8. They are so beautifully colored, your devotion to wildlife is commendable.

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  9. I think they are the prettiest birds. They always look flawless and smooth in appearance. I've never seen one myself. So glad you got to see them Ratty!!

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  10. I've never seen one of those before. Very pretty bird and how thrilling for you to have spotted it and captured it with your camera

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  11. This is a beautiful bird, Ratty, and your picture is fantastic..I'm having trouble taking pictures of birds. They are too fast for me..

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  12. wow, i think it is my first time to hear and see (through your picture) a cedar waxing. great shots.

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  13. you and my husband are on the same arena. you just love taking photographs of birds, don't you?

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  14. Ratty some excellent shots, never seen the bird myself but its very colourful.

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  15. You are always such fun, Ratty, and it's so nice because you get so delighted over new finds. I like these bird shots, partly because I don't know this bird at all. So it's a new find for me, too. Thanks, Ratty!!!

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  16. What a pretty birdie! It reminded me of this -http://cheezburger.com/TemplateView.aspx?ciid=4939938
    I'm a cat lover, it's nothing personal :)

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  17. That is a beautiful bird. I don't think I have seen one of those before. They are just gorgeous. Glad you got a good picture of it. Have a great weekend.

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  18. These are such cool birds and they do have that Zoro like look to them. These are fantastic captures, Ratty.

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  19. Beautiful shots of the bird. I have never seen it before.

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  20. hi.. its wierdwalker..awsome blog man.. look at you.. too good.. nice work..

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  21. What a lovely bird...I am quite envious about the amount of different species you get to see on your walks...we have so few....they are all beautiful in their own rights I know but yours are so much more colourful and majestic!!

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  22. Many birds have similar features like "bandit mask". Very hard to differentiate them. Great shots Ratty.

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  23. Oh, I love these too, Ratty! We once had a flock come to our yard and I couldn't believe how pretty they were. They ate the berries on our neighbor's junipers. Great shots!!

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