Today, I am sharing two Cedar Waxwing photos that I took last April during a spring snowstorm. I found this waxwing in a tree next to the Jordan River Trail.

Cedar Waxwing in a spring snowstorm, Salt Lake County, UtahCedar Waxwing in a spring snowstorm – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/1600, ISO 800, +2.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

After blowing, shoveling, and scraping snow that morning, I felt the need to see if there were any birds around that I could take photos of. I found several Killdeer in the snow in one spot and took photos of them. Then, I went looking for more birds.

The light was low, snowflakes were falling, but that didn’t stop me from photographing the birds I found including this waxwing.

Cedar Waxwing on a snowy spring morning, Salt Lake County, UtahCedar Waxwing on a snowy spring morning – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/2000, ISO 800, +2.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light, not baited

I know high-key photos are not everyone’s cup of tea, and that is perfectly fine. Me? I happen to like them at times. The waxwing’s softly colored plumage stood out well from its surroundings, and I liked that I could see snowflakes in front of the bird.

This past winter was warmer and less snowy than normal where I live in the Salt Lake Valley. I did not see or photograph a single waxwing all winter long.

Before long, any waxwings that are in the valley will head up into the high country of our mountains to breed. I hope they do well this year, but then I always wish the breeding season goes well for all of our birds.

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Cedar Waxwing photos plus facts and information about this species.