Bohemian Waxwings

Bohemian waxwings are similar to cedar waxwings. Though slightly larger with white wing patches and have a rusty color under the tail feathers. I see these birds around town in the winter. They can be found in small flocks eating crab apples that are left on the trees. I have never heard them make a sound. Though my bird book says they make a high pitched seeee sound. They are not around all of the time. I would see them in the crab apple trees in the neighborhood for a few days and then they would be gone. Only to show up again after a few weeks or a month. I don't know if they are the same ones or not as they all look the same. I find them interesting to watch as they gobble down the little apples. As the weather turns warmer they will be gone. I look forward to seeing them again next year.

Having said that I have never heard these birds. They were in the apple tree next door in the morning. It was around eight a.m. I got near the tree and could hear them. The sound they made was high pitched but low in volume. If there was any other noises around even just standing beside a running vehicle I don't think I would have heard them. Having worked in a high noise industry for the last 25 years may have something to do with my inability to pick out the sound these birds make. Thanks to Jennifer Howard ( Nature Works Photography. Look her up -great photographer) for pointing out that I am not the only one who has a hard time hearing these birds.

A trip to the dump








During the first week of March I made a few trips to the local dump to take photos of the eagles there. I lost count at 63 birds. 

It was amazing to watch these birds. They were landing, taking off and flying all around me. 

These next three photos are of an aduld eagle flying by. Note that there is a piece of white plastic caught on one of its claws. I do not think this was on purpose. Remember this was taken at the local dump. I still like the photo.









These next two are again an adult eagle flying by



This adult eagle looks like he is trying to keep warm. It was minus 22 that day

An adult eagle joining his friends





An adult sitting in a tree

This guy is getting ready to take off

I was lucky. He took off right towards me

Away he goes

circling the dump

Taking off. 

This seems to be a favorite tree. I always see a dozen or more birds here.







This bird went to the river for a drink. I misssed getting a shot of him doing it. Another thing I will be on the lookout for. He dipped his beak, in got some water, then tipped his head back. It was interesting to watch as I have never seen one do that. 

Then off he goes 


That was my week of taking photos at the local dump. It seems a shame that they are there scrounging for food. I guess in the cold winter months they get food where ever they can. Come spring and the warmer weather you won't find near as many eagles there. They will be scattered. Some days during the summer there are no eagles at the dump at all. While they are there I will take the opportunity to take photos of them.