I was standing on the trail at Possum Branch Preserve in April and I saw the above. I wasn’t surprised to see hundreds of cedar waxwings flying across the pond there. They’ve come for a visit at this preserve for several spring seasons. They usually stay for several weeks. The trick to see them up close is to catch them feeding at the big mulberry tree on the trail.
I brought a chair and waited for them to land on the tree. They are very skittish and sometimes only land for a few minutes before taking off across the preserve again. There were several of us sitting quietly on the other side of the trail as they landed in a tree near the mulberry tree.
After a few minutes they all headed over to the mulberry tree and started feasting on the berries. Most of the time they land on the back of the tree that backs up to the pond but sometimes a few might land on the front of the tree. Since this is a short walk from the parking area I spent some time this spring sitting in my chair near the tree.
Across the pond I could see the local residents.
That was a terrific opportunity!
Great photos!
I can hear that ‘gator from here.
Wonderful images. In Illinois I was amazed to see a flock of waxwings acting like swallows, coursing over the Fox River to catch flying insects.
Beautiful birds. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many in one place!
Great shots. Although I don’t like the locals.
Wonderful captures of the cedar waxwings enjoying the berries. I hope those gators were very far away from where you were sitting!
Beautiful birds.