Berries will attract cedar waxwings

Cedar waxwings belong to the family “bombycilladae,” (bom-bih-SILL-ih-dee). This combination of Greek and Latin words translates as “silky-tailed.” Almost the entire name of this elegantly attired bird describes its appearance.

Waxwing refers to the tips of its wings. They are red and look as if they had been dipped in sealing wax. A waxwing also has a yellow band on its tail and sports a sleek-looking crest that can be depressed or flattened. Its black mask resembles that worn by the Lone Ranger.

August has long been the month when we expect to see (and hear) cedar waxwings in the yard as well as other favorite Northwest destinations. They can show up at any time and this year we were hearing their whispering calls in June and July. When it comes to birds, they have the softest of voices. The sound has been described as a high, thin lisp or a slightly trilled “zeee.” It’s sounds like a ringing whisper to me - if you can imagine such a sound. Waxwings usually call from the treetops or fruit-laden thickets and it takes time for the sound to pierce your thoughts and alert you to their presence.

These are fruit-eating birds, but they are primarily insect eaters and will engage in some serious flycatching when conditions are right. During the late summer months we’ve watched them catching flies over the Hoh River. As the flying red ants emerge about this time, our hope is that the waxwings are shrinking the ant population. This action can be expected on other large rivers and river bars throughout the state, especially where the river banks are lined with trees.

Once the berries on the shrubs and trees begin to ripen, that soft whispering chatter will be heard more and more. Mountain ash berries are a favorite. So are red dogwood buttons, pyracantha berries, the native white hawthorn, wild blackberries and both domestic and wild cherries. Like robins, waxwings gorge themselves on the fruit. It’s impressive when you see them swallow some of these berries whole. When the fruit is overripe and beginning to ferment, these mild-mannered birds can over indulge and become inebriated.

At this time of the year when the waxwings arrive in our yards and other outdoor haunts, we can expect to see lots of youngsters traveling in these flocks. They are grayish brown in color and appear to be more slender than the adults. There is a generous amount of faint streaking over their breasts and backs. Waxwings travel in large flocks, especially after the young are off the nest. Family groups gather together and spend late summer into fall feeding on the ripening fruit as well as the latest hatch of flying insects.

These gregarious birds enjoy each other’s company and are found in a wide mix of habitats. Open woodland, both wet and dry, deciduous or coniferous forests as well as forest edges attract them. They are found in mature forests, in parks, orchards and even the suburbs during the summer. In short, you can look for them almost everywhere there are trees.

The best way to get a look at “Bombycilla cedrorum” is to listen for that soft lisp or ringing whisper. If there are cedar trees nearby, search the treetops. True to their name, they are fond of cedar berries. As summer creeps along, the cedar trees will bear heavy crops and are worth checking out.

“Sleek, handsome, gregarious,” these descriptions are a good hint of what to expect when we you spot the cedar waxwings. They’re one of the Northwest’s special birds.

Write to Joan Carson, PO Box 217, Poulsbo, WA 98370. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for a reply. (Or email joanpcarson@comcast.net.)