Day One of Cedar Waxwing Watching

The time has finally arrived for the Cedar Waxwings to start feasting on the ripe Loquats in the neighborhood. I can hardly wait for this time of year to roll around. The hungry birds are so numerous during these events and can easily be watched up close with a stealthy approach.



Today there were also many warblers joining in like this Eastern Palm Warbler now transitioning into its Spring plumage.



The Cedar Waxwings pluck bit after bit from the orange fruit one by one.



It was getting late in the day so the light was not the best and the birds were staying in the shadows for most of the time but every now and then one would strike a nice pose.



Another Eastern Palm Warbler sticks to the sidewalk to sift through the leftovers.



Sometimes the Cedar Waxwings grab for a mouthful instead of just picking.



Suddenly, a pair of male Northern Parula got into a squabble and dropped to the ground about 5 feet from where I was standing. One bird flew off and the other hopped up onto a branch just to my left and so close that I could barely get it in focus. These beautiful small birds returned a few weeks ago and are singing like crazy all over the neighborhood.



The majority of Cedar Waxwings have bright yellow tail tips. Every now and then their diet shifts and changes the color of the tips to orange. It makes for a nice surprise when going through the photos later on to discover that I got a shot of one of these 'different' types.



There are several Loquats in this yard all bursting with fruit so it should keep the bird here for a while. Tomorrow I will try in earlier light.