Love of Leftovers - Cedar Waxwings

I am a firm believer in the value leftovers whether they are in my fridge or in my garden. Though I deadhead flowers during the blooming season to encourage re-blooming, at the end of the season I leave the flowers to go to seed and leave a good portion of fruits for wildlife. Some consider this messy gardening, but I consider it sharing with the birds and other creatures who need the leftovers to stay healthy during the winter. 

Cedar Waxwings arrived in a small flock a few days ago to clean up the leavings on a cherry tree. I watched and listened to their quiet high pitched and vibrating whistling calls and marveled at their beautiful markings.  Since Cedar Waxwings specialize in fruit eating you can attract them to your yard by planting a variety of native small-fruiting trees and shrubs such as winterberry, serviceberry, cherry, cedar, juniper, and hawthorne.  Learn how to identify Cedar Waxwings, about their life history, and listen to their calls at Cornell's All About Birds. And remember, always share your leftovers! Happy bird watching.

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