Ah! The Lovely Cedar Waxwing

Written by Al Crisalli, Jr.

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Born and raised in the temperate San Fernando Valley, this last autumn and winter in Tehachapi have been amazing. Although we've lived here for the last 20 years, this winter's weather season has been especially enjoyable. One snowy afternoon, two-weeks ago, that joy rose to a new high.

It was snowing hard as I cautiously entered my driveway. From the corner of my eye I noticed movement in the Birch trees that grace the front yard. To my complete delight I saw approximately 20 Cedar Waxwings perched stoically in the icy branches.

Jon Hammond taught me long ago to always carry my camera with me. Thank you Jon, for I had my Nikon within reach. As stealthily as possible I tried to park the car, maneuver my way out of the front seat and slip into a favorable position to snap a few pictures. Sadly, the lovely birds had other ideas, and with choreographed precision flight they left the Birch trees to land in the much taller nearby Spruce. I managed to capture a few photos but none that illustrate the beauty of these avian jewels.

Cedar Waxwings are one of my favorite birds and not a species I'm privileged to see every year. In fact, if memory serves me correctly, I've only seen them on three occasions. In 2001, I happened to be at the home of Bill and Betty Mead and was treated to the sight of a large flock devouring the bright red/orange berries adorning the Pyracantha shrubs lining the fence. A few years later, while birding with Jon, we saw Cedar Waxwings near the present site of the Norbertine Monestary. This year's viewing was especially wonderful to me because the birds were sighted on property that I currently call home.

Cedar Waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum) are gorgeous birds that have the appearance of having just visited a beauty salon: plumage and makeup looking immaculate and ready for the Broadway stage. From the attractive swept back plume that is characteristic of both Cedar and Bohemian Waxwings, to their precise black eyeliner, these birds are stylish. Their call is a soft, high-pitched, somewhat trilled whistle. Seen in the Tehachapi area during winter months, they are one of many reasons I'm thrilled to live in these remarkable valleys and mountains.

For more information about Cedar Waxwings visit the Cornell Lab of Ornithology website.

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