The Feast of Berries!

Whoosh! Something passed over our heads as Mark and I were out refilling the bird feeders. The heavy fog layer almost blocked out any view of what flew just feet above us. I looked up to see a flock of birds doing loops and curves in and amongst the trees. Swallows! I knew that there was a flock of Tree Swallows around somewhere and I was nearly certain that this was them. They were probably a bit disoriented with the thick fog and had veered off their usual flight pattern over the Bay. I watched as they lit into the Black Gum Tree. Then these birds did something that was far out of character for Tree Swallows..they started stripping the tree of its remaining berries.

Flock of Cedar Waxwings in the Black Gum Tree. The heavy fog makes them hard to identify!

Ahhh! These were not Tree Swallows at all! Even though the fog obscured any recognizable traits, the eating habits of the birds told me without a doubt that these were Cedar Waxwings! This flock had swooped in to denude the yard and Bayou area of any remaining berries. Their high-pitched calls soon filled the yard and I knew that by mid-afternoon..no berries would be found.

Berries of the Yaupon Tree..a favorite meal of the Cedar Waxwings.

Sure enough, later in the day, the Cedar Waxwings had just about finished off all of the Yaupon berries and had even attacked the Nandina bushes. Both of these were filled with the shiny red berries but now were sort of drab-looking. Not that I minded..grant you, I would always give up these and the holly berries so the Waxwings could have a good meal. I only wish their timing had been a bit better..the fog left photographs in want. I am hoping that tomorrow the birds will still be hanging around and a few clear pictures can be obtained. They are only here with their Winter migration and will be gone from the area as soon as the food supply is depleted. Since berries and fruit make up most of their diet, once an area has been gleaned, they move on to find new sources.

Nandina Berries..another treat for the Cedar Waxwings.

This is an inspiration for me to plant more of the Yaupon Bushes and Holly Trees. Perhaps if the dinner table is set with more inviting dishes, the Cedar Waxwings will stay a bit longer. At least neither of these are fruits that are destined for jellies and jams for my shelves! Feast on..bird friends..feast on..fill your tummies!