Over Thanksgiving we spent some time in Mt. Juliet at my in-laws home. I always enjoy traipsing around the woods near their house just to explore. I did that often as a kid at my grandfather’s house and I’ve always been fond of spending time in the great outdoors. Often I come home with rocks for my garden borders but I almost always can find a neat picture of some kind to share. The wooded area near their home is similar to the cedar glades that are prevalent in the region. Cedar glades usually consist of plants that can thrive in heavy limestone rock like cedar trees! Not far the east of their home is the Cedars of Lebanon State Park which is well known for its cedar glades.
While exploring I managed to spot a small winged creature that I’ve only seen twice before. It was a cedar waxwing. I saw one once in a crape myrtle tree at my parent’s house but years before that I saw several in the Smoky Mountains. The one I saw this weekend was high up in a tree surveying the land. It didn’t move much and allowed me to get the following pictures. I wish my lenses had a higher magnification to get a higher quality picture.
I’m sure there were more flying about somewhere since they like to travel in small groups.
It is very likely that they were in the area feasting on the bright blue cones of the Eastern Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) which are producing them in massive quantities this time of year.
Did you see any interesting wildlife over Thanksgiving?
Tips for Attracting Cedar Waxwings (and other Feathered Friends)
Plant Native Trees and Shrubs that Provide food for Waxwings
Everybody has to eat! Plant the native plants that cedar waxwings love like serviceberry trees, crabapple trees, eastern cedar trees, dogwoods, American holly, mulberry, elderberry, or viburnums. They enjoy the berries from these trees.
Provide a Water Source
Birds of all kinds need water for drinking. Create a small pond or install a birdbath to attract as many types of feathered friends as possible.
Give the Birds Shelter for Nesting or Hiding from Predators
Birds enjoy dense shrubs and trees to hide from predators. They will build nests in these trees to raise their young.
Stop Using Pesticides
Waxwings and other birds are voracious devourers of insects, not just berries. If there are no insects from pesticides it limits what is on the menu.
From my window…
From my window I can observe the court of the reigning king of the hill. This prince of the porch reigns supreme as no one is willing to stand up (or fly) to challenge him. His desire: to save all the suet for himself. This…
Birdwatching: Goldfinches at the Feeder
Lately the birds have been returning to the feeders. These goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) all dressed in their winter coats after molting are partaking of a feast of niger seed, which is excellent for attracting finches. Like all birds they seem to prefer the seed d’jour….
The Gray Tree Frog (Hyla versicolor)
This was a historic day. It was the first day I’ve ever seen a frog in my garden. I’ve seen a toad or two but never an actual frog! Amphibians are a good indicator of the heath of an environment. They are kind of like…
A Rabbit Rant
I had really planned to put up a different post tonight, all about gardening with children featuring my two year old daughter. Unfortunately that post will have to wait for tomorrow since I’m still seething over tonight’s discovery, a rabbit attack. This wasn’t some killer…
Preventing Deer Damage to Trees
As you can see from the picture to the left that this tree has taken a beating. Last fall when the deer were out in force a buck decided to rut against several of my favorite trees. Coincidentally all the deer damaged trees were young…
Watching Wildlife
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That is a pretty bird.
Cedar Waxwings are beautiful, elegant looking, little birds. Their characteristic feature is the prominent crest.
Dave, I have enjoyed reading your posts and have enjoyed following your updates. Some time ago, I wrote an article for your site, which I just sent you again today at thehomegarden[@]gmail.com. Would you please read it and let me know if you accept it as a guest post?
Thank you – Matthew
Dear Dave
We have seen them very rarely here .. they are such beautiful little birds aren't they ? .. I would love to get a really god picture of one myself .. you did good !
Joy
PS .. Hope you all had a great holiday : )
They are such cool birds. Good catch as they can sometimes be hard to spot.
I hope it was a wonderful thanksgiving for you and your family, Dave. Ours, of course, was some 6 weeks ago, so I can't remember what wildlife I saw back then. Lots of songbirds at our feeders now, and plenty of hawks around the fields and perching on poles and wires, watching for prey. LOVE waxwings, they're so sleek and delightful.
Dave, you have an excellent gardening blog. I am a brand new gardener and looking for advice as I try to build up my garden. I will look forward to future posts and hopefully get some good ideas!