Cedar Waxwing adult resting in a stand of hawthorns – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 500, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The summer heat is getting to me and because of that I have spent the mornings of much of this week up high in the Wasatch Mountains where the temps are cooler and where some of the signs of autumn have begun to appear. On Monday I drove up into the mountains and I decided to check out an area I hadn’t been to in some time and I’m awfully glad that I did.
Why? Because there have been so many birds there. I knew I was getting into a rut and I really don’t like it when that happens so because I had driven through one canyon far faster than I normally do I knew I had time to check another one out before the sun got too high. I’d also forgotten to eat my muffins as I drove through the first canyon and I decided if there weren’t any birds in the second area I could eat my breakfast while listening to the sounds of the creek next to where I sat in my Jeep.
Photographing this Cedar Waxwing resting in a stand of hawthorns was one of the highlights of my morning. It looked beautiful all fluffed up.
Side note, last year in June I had forgotten to eat the apple I had brought for breakfast on a trip up into the mountains and stopped at this same location to eat it and because I did I ended up having a great and productive time photographing Cedar Waxwings eating the petals of blooming hawthorns.
Back to this week…
Stopping to eat my muffins at this location was a great idea because this week on three trips to this spot I’ve photographed more than just Cedar Waxwings at this location. I have also taken photos of Yellow Warblers, Gray Catbirds, Lazuli Buntings, Lesser and American Goldfinches, Song Sparrows, Western Tanagers, and Brewer’s Sparrows. I’ve seen Cliff, Barn and Tree Swallows, Northern Flickers, Western Kingbirds, Bullock’s Orioles, and one adult Bald Eagle flying by. I’m sure that there are a few birds I’ve forgotten to mention. Photos of the other birds I’ve photographed from this spot to appear here soon. The messy, molting Song Sparrow I shared yesterday was from this location.
Getting out of what I see as a rut has netted me some terrific opportunities with birds this week.
I could easily sit in that one birdy spot all morning long and just enjoy the peace and quiet, the birds are a bonus.
Life is good. Stay safe.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Cedar Waxwing photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful image of one of my absolute favorite birds. Cedar Waxwings, even their little ones, are strikingly beautiful. Thanks Mia.
What a complete beauty.
I am so very glad that you could escape the heat (bleah) and find peace and serenity (and birds).
Nice to see a relaxed bird. 🙂 So glad you’re able to get away, Mia, and find such joy and beauty.
Nice, I am happy you found a lovely, birdy location.
A couple of years ago in early spring a flock of Cedar Wax Wings came o our ornamental crab apple tree and cleaned out all of the apples left by the robins. The difference is that they never returned.
A couple of years ago in early spring a flock of Cedar Wax Wings came o our ornamental crab apple tree and cleaned out all of the apples left by the robins.
We’re glad you got up into that canyon! This picture shows how fluffy their feathers– usually so smooth and silky in appearance– really are.