At last, Cedar Waxwings

I’ve been hunting for these cool birds since people started spotting them last fall. They travel in flocks and after finally getting a close-up look and listen, I realize I’ve seen (and heard) the flocks many times. But look at these super model birds. With their velvety black masks, and soft peach wings with red tips that look like wax—hence the name—they’re gorgeous.

This group was hanging out in the trees next to the Schreiner University trailhead. They feed on berries (cedar, juniper, hawthorn), so the spot is probably a regular hangout.

They do eat insects too but since they eat berries, their poo is recognizable as it, well looks like poo from a diet of berries. This fun fact was shared with me to help with my hunt. I lucked into this crew but it’s a good clue for spotting a museum or earful (AKA flock) if you’re on the lookout.