This handsome Cedar Waxwing was found on the ground unable to fly earlier today. Its suffering from acute trauma, which may have resulted from a window collision. Waxwings are beautiful birds and are one of the few species of birds in North America that eat primarily fruit. In fact, they can survive on fruit alone for months at a time. This is probably one reason why we can find these non-seed eaters here in the winter. Its a beautiful sight (and sound) to see a whole flock descend on a juniper tree or crab apple and wipe the tree clean of old, hanging fruits. During the summer they supplement their fruit diet with protein-rich flying insects that they catch on the wing. If youre looking at your spring and fall plantings, consider planting some native shrubs to attract these, and other, birds. Favorites include hawthorn, winterberry and serviceberry, cedar and juniper. In this photo you can catch a glimpse of the pretty canary yellow tail line and its crest, that typically is smooth against its head.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Mar 2014 21:40:49 +0000
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