Today I noticed an unusual amount of activity in the sky just beyond my window, a near endless stream of noisy birds flying to and from my neighbor’s holly tree. As I could only glimpse them as they whizzed by, I didn’t identify them then. But later this morning, as I was enjoying the morning sun on my back while I deadheaded my garden, I looked up at the 50-foot tree and was astounded to see it overflowing with a chatty flock of cedar waxwings. While they are year-round residents, I’ve never seen any during my years in this house, and I’ve never seen so many at once anywhere.

Waxwings get their name from the red waxy substance that coats the wing tips of mature birds, possibly as a mating signal. They are gorgeous birds, and I’m thrilled to finally see them here. Try planting native shrubs that produce berries, and you might just attract some, too.

And what a grand party they were enjoying—

yellow-bellied males, females and young fledglings all taking turns feasting on the bountiful supply of berries. The ones who were waiting for their turn at the buffet passed the time puffing out their feathers and sunning themselves on the tips of nearly every branch—

golden ornaments decorating a winter icon—
in June.

CONTEMPLATIONS

• How do you signal what you want?
• Are you subtle about it, or do you sport the metaphorical equivalent of red spots on your wings?
• What are you feasting on in your life now?
• How about declaring today a holiday of your own devising?

Spot other fascinating birds here.