Fully occupied trees and rooftops

Bohemian Waxwing in the distant tree tops

The population of Bohemian waxwings has exploded in the neighborhood since I first noticed their presence just before the New Year. 

There are literally thousands of these beauties.  They occupied every branch and treetop, and even the rooftops in the neighborhood.  I love watching as they flock from tree to tree by some unseen command, and fly through the sky like a school of fish in the ocean.

bits of fruit

Evidence of their presence in the neighborhood was everywhere, as shown in the photo above; the little bits of fruit all over the snow covered ground.  

A whirlwind arrival

However, you need not look for clues, as the waxwings are anything but quiet, unless there is a predator around.  The more waxwings in the area, the further their high pitched voices travel.  There were so many Bohemian Waxwings, I didn't know where to point the camera first.

Fully occupied

Eating snow

Here they are eating the snow on the rooftops to satisfy their thirst.

Landing

Take off

 They seemed to take turns landing on the rooftops to do so.

The next wave

Satisfying their thirst

But the slightest sound would have them take off again.

On every branch

Every once in a while they would fly off in smaller flocks in search of a nearby fruit tree to gorge themselves.  Then they would return to a sort of communal watering hole again, the rooftops.  They seem to choose a rooftop that is relatively safe, one surrounded by trees for an easy and quick retreat or escape.  In the photo above a large flock of Bohemians had landed in a tree close to a roof.  Every branch of the tree was occupied, with the exception of the lowest branches, it was a grand sight to behold. 

Blue Jay below the waxings

The presence of the waxwings seemed to encourage other bird species to come out into the open.  Nuthatches, chickadees and woodpeckers were everywhere.  Even the Blue Jays ventured out into the open.  What a delight.

Enjoy,
Susan