Spring brings a lot of avian garden visitors. For several days, a Western Tanager, one of the most colorful birds in our area, visited the pond. I even went out with the camera equipped with a telephoto lens one day to try and get a photo but he kept flying behind foliage. For some reason, birds and other wildlife in my garden simply don't cooperate when I tell them to stand still and look at the camera. The other evening, I heard a song that reminded me of that of the Bohemian Waxwing flocks that we used to enjoy all winter in Alaska. I couldn't make out the identity of the birds but could see a crest on their heads. By the time the camera was ready, all but one had flown away. Fortunately, this one stayed for a few seconds.
I'm guessing that because of the yellowish tinge to the feathers in front this is a Cedar Waxwing, a close and much more common (in this area) relative of the Bohemian Waxwing.
Nice work nature boy!
ReplyDeleteI love birds. I admire people who can identify them, I can hardly tell a crow from a sparrow. This little guy is beautiful. Nice of him to stick around for a few more seconds.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots! I like how the evening sun adds that feather-enhancing golden glow. My post this week is about visiting critters too. You saw it - you were there! ;)
ReplyDeleteI didn't realize cedar waxwings were common here, I've never seen one. I did manage to get some pictures of a western tanager, our very first year here. They've never come back to my garden, as far as I know. Well done getting these shots! Good for you recognizing their songs too. I'm clueless on that score.
ReplyDeleteSuch a handsome fellow! Cedar waxwings migrate through here once a year but I haven't seen any yet this year. I hope you manage a photo of the western tanager one day too.
ReplyDeleteLovely. It is hard to tell for sure because of the fabulous oblique lighting. Both types of waxwings are awesome. We see Cedar Waxwings frequently through spring, summer, and fall. Whenever I hear their shrill whistles, I look up in the trees and usually see large groups of them. Gorgeous birds!
ReplyDeleteI have seen a Western tanager only once here in our yard. So beautiful! Cedar waxwings have a more subtle beauty. We see them occasionally.
ReplyDeleteWe don't get many unusual birds in our garden and certainly none to photograph!
ReplyDeleteStunning. It is difficult to tell without a doubt as a result of the awesome slanted lighting. Both sorts of waxwings are awesome....
ReplyDeleteThat guy was definitely ready for his close-up and you more than did him justice.
ReplyDeleteCool! I have never seen a Western Tanager. Looks a bit like a Cedar Waxwint, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful shots!
ReplyDelete