Songbird

Cedar waxwing

Bombycilla cedrorum

A sleek, crested songbird that travels in flocks, feeding on berries and flying insects along forest edges, rivers and wetlands in Whatcom and Skagit counties.

Seasonality

Peaks in June, July, August. Present all year but most common from May to September; flocks wander in winter.

Behavior

Moves in tight, high-pitched flocks that descend on fruiting trees and shrubs.
Sallies out over rivers and marshes to catch insects on summer evenings.
Nests late, often in June and July, in step with summer fruit.

Photography tips

Fruiting trees concentrate birds; wait beside one rather than following the flock.
Watch for birds passing berries to one another, a moment worth a burst of frames.

Field ethics

Leave fruiting shrubs alone and don't break branches to clear a view.

Where to look

Tennant LakeWhatcom County · Peaks in June, July, August
Stimpson Family Nature ReserveWhatcom County · Peaks in June, July, August
Deming Homestead Eagle ParkWhatcom County · Peaks in June, July, August
Barrell Springs WetlandsSkagit County · Peaks in June, July, August
Wiley SloughSkagit County · Peaks in June, July, August