Flocks of Cedar Waxwings and Bird Life on the Move

Large numbers of cedar waxwings are showing up now

Each Spring in the Lowcountry there are signs that winter is nearing completion, and often times the presence of flocks of birds is the truest indicator. Recent observations of flocks of cedar waxwings, red-winged blackbirds and robins are sounding the alarm that the season cycle is changing. Local flowers currently in bloom tell a tale of mild temperatures in Colleton County, but the birds have the ability to move across the South and stay in the optimum climate. Consider taking a moment to watch the cedar waxwings gorging on red berries, because they can be here today and gone tomorrow.

            

Cedar waxwings basking in sunshine

Cedar waxwings arrive in early March and their gregarious nature makes them easy to spot. The congregate in groups or flocks, from 15 to 150 birds or more, and are often seen marauding holly trees and cedar trees. Birders might recognize their high-pitched heeee-heeee call first, since that sound is absent from the Lowcountry most of the year. Cedar waxwings are grey with a yellow-ish belly, a black eye mask, a distinguished tuft on the head and a notch of yellow at the tip of the tailfeathers. They are quite striking but they tend to stay towards the tops of trees, so binoculars or camera equipment improves viewing opportunities.

            

Flowers in bloom already include forsythia, quince and azaleas and they all are subject to overnight cold snaps that might bring a sudden freeze. In general, temperatures have not been severe enough to kill buds, while the rainfall and river flooding remains the headline news. My rain gauge in Western Colleton County collected eight inches of rain during the month of February. Birds and other wildlife don’t have to look hard to find something to drink, but the end of winter means that food supplies are dwindling. When you see flocks of red-winged blackbirds and robins moving along the ground, they are being opportunistic feeders looking to eat enough food to stay ready for the next warm spell when they will move on.

To view the entire feature article in the newspaper click on Colletonian.

To view past Birding Journal Observations from March / April click 2018 - 2017 - 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

To view Field Notes and Photos click on February 2018 - December 2017 - September 2017 - January 2017- December 2016 - June 2016 - February 2016- December 2015 - October 2015 - September 2015 - August 2015 - July 2015 - June 2015 - February 2105 - October 2014 -  September 2014 - August 2014 - June 2014 - March 2012 - February 2012 - October 2011 - September 2011