I was thrilled when I spotted a flock of Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) on Thursday at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge, because I consider them to be one of the coolest-looking birds in our area. I love their rakish masks, punk-style crests, and yellow-tipped tails. I do not see them very often, but when I do, the Cedar Waxwings tend to be part of a large group.
The Cedar Waxwings moved from tree to tree, devouring berries as they went along. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Cedar Waxwing is one of the few North American birds that specializes in eating fruit and it can survive on fruit alone for several months. However, “Because they eat so much fruit, Cedar Waxwings occasionally become intoxicated or even die when they run across overripe berries that have started to ferment and produce alcohol.”
I was hoping to get some shots of these voracious birds in action, but they stayed high in the trees and were mostly hidden from view by branches. I am pretty happy, though, with the shots that I was able to get of these beautiful birds.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Gorgeous
I really enjoy waxwings, and rarely get to see them. Have you ever seen one with an orange tail tip? I once did; here’s a typical explanation that I assume is correct. There may be other berries that induce the effect.
I don’t think that I have ever seen one with an orange tail, but I will look closely now whenever I see waxwings. 🙂
Nice Mike! Always fun to photograph Cedar Waxwings!
That’s a handsome looking bird, Mike, and a great photo.
Nice shots!
That second shot is terrific, Mike. These are one of my favorite birds. I have seen them passing berries down the line to one another!
Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com
Impressive ! I love the sheen on their feathers, they look almost porcelain. Unfortunately everyone sees them, but me. 😂😂😂.
I love these perky birds, too, Mike! Your second image is lovely, that one red berry can tell a story to anyone who’s seen a flock of Waxwings clean a tree.
A summer favorite here, with occasional flocks that raid the holly berries and frozen crabapples in winter. I can attest to their (and robin’s) drunkeness after eating fermented fruit! A unique, charming and photogenic bird.
They are some of my favorites, too! I live their colors and how smooth their plumage always looks.
I love Cedar Waxwings too. In almost 40 years in Gaithersburg, we have only seen them in the park once or twice,but I am always hoping. Interesting fact about alcohol poisoning! Who knew?