Waxwing Working a String

By Mike • July 5, 2009 • 4 comments

You know that we’re just wild about waxwings around here. Who wouldn’t be? Waxwings are social, sleek, and oh so chic. Did you know they were also tenacious when it comes to acquiring premium nesting material? I didn’t until I observed a pair of Cedar Waxwings trying to untangle a long length of string in the boughs of a spruce tree. These two clearly wanted this string, so much so that they summoned a third bird to help. Much of the action was obscured by branches and shade but I captured enough of this epic struggle to share here…

Tags: features, waxwings

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About the Author

Mike

Mike is a leading authority in the field of standardized test preparation, but what he really aspires to be is a naturalist. Besides founding 10,000 Birds and I and the Bird, Mike has also created a number of other entertaining sites and resources, particularly the Nature Blog Network.

4 Responses to “Waxwing Working a String”

Kelly Riccetti Jul 5th, 2009 at 9:25 am

…fun! (Love these sleek, gorgeous birds…) Were they successful in retrieving the string?
Liza Lee Miller Jul 5th, 2009 at 11:29 pm

This. This right here. This is why I watch birds.
Jochen Jul 6th, 2009 at 6:53 am

Social, sleek, and oh so chic?

Mike, you’re the man!

Looking forward to seeing the young from that nest play Tarzan, although I guess they’ll have difficulties imitating Johnny Weissmuller’s yell.
Mike Jul 6th, 2009 at 8:14 am

Thanks all. Yes, the waxwings prevailed over the stubborn string, although the conflict raged on for many minutes!

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