Young Cedar Waxwing giving me the eye – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
I found this young Cedar Waxwing in the remnants of a small aspen forest two days ago while I watched for other birds to come in to feed on ripe serviceberries. I heard the begging calls of this waxwing before I saw it perched nearby on dead aspen branches.
This was my first juvenile Cedar Waxwing sighting of the season and my first photos of one this year. I was delighted that the immature waxwing stuck around long enough for me to take a nice series of images.
Young Cedar Waxwing in a mountain forest – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
As I photographed this young bird I could hear adult Cedar Waxwings calling from the tops of nearby trees. I don’t know if the juvenile waxwing was paying attention to the adults. It did seem to be paying close attention to me sitting in my Jeep photographing it though.
Cedar Waxwing juvenile – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 400, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Even though this bird is in it juvenal plumage it still has the characteristic black mask of Cedar Waxwings plus the yellow waxy tipped tail feathers.
Several weeks ago I found a Cedar Waxwing nest high in the mountains. When I drove by it two days ago the nest was empty. I hope that the waxwings had a very successful breeding season this year. The presence of this young waxwing gives me hope that they did.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Cedar Waxwing photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wow! Very interesting shots. They sure do mature into beautiful birds. Thanks Mia.
I don’t think I’ve seen a youngster before. Definitely shows promise of that gorgeous “airbrushed” coloration to come.
Beautiful Mia, I’ve not seen young ones before .. great shots!!
Another young beauty.
Re April’s comment I suspect that women’s hearing (particularly for young ‘uns) is MUCH better. A way of contributing to the survival of the up and coming generations?
Wonderful photos. I have been hearing them but they are always to high or too far away. I have been doing an informal pole about people hearing them. Overwhelmingly men have a hard time hearing them if at all. Woman can always hear them. I wonder if we are programed to hear higher pitches?