I checked online and learned some cool facts about this bird:
~ The name "waxwing" comes from the small cluster of red wax-like droplets on tips of secondary flight feathers on the wings and "cedar" derives from their appetite for cedar berries in winter.
~ The Cedar Waxwing is one of the few North American birds that specializes in eating fruit. It can survive on fruit alone for several months.
~ 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.
As always, nice on black if you have time.
wonderfully clear and focussed and perfect for illustrating those little red wax wing drops you describe. Thanks for all the interesting facts. Once again - 365 offers a great education.
He is gorgeous, really interesting commentary too.
I remember seeing a blackbird in our garden when we lived in the UK and he just sat there for a few hours after eating fermented apples. perhaps he was slightly intoxicated too. Blackbirds and cider obviously don't mix.
I LOVE these birds. They are so skittish though - this is a beautiful shot. My friend in Scotland was just telling me she had seen a flock of them the other day - I've never seen them there, but I do remember seeing them in Houston. Beautiful birds, and some good information too. Thanks for sharing.
I remember seeing a blackbird in our garden when we lived in the UK and he just sat there for a few hours after eating fermented apples. perhaps he was slightly intoxicated too. Blackbirds and cider obviously don't mix.