migratory birds sometimes have "irruption years" in which their usual food sources need some time to recover. In these years, certain species' expand their usual seasonal ranges to seek their typical crop in areas where they aren't depleted.
this year it's the waxwings. waxwings are the cutest possible birds. i don't know how else to describe them, it's impossible not to fall in love with these birds.
if you don't believe me here is a video of two cedar waxwings playing a game they frequently play, in which they pass a berry back and forth, and the loser is the one who swallows it.
there are three species of waxwings, and two occur in the United States. i see cedar waxwings often, but because it's an irruption year, i got to see bohemian waxwings for the first time today.
(note the rusty colored undertail coverts and the call with a low trill)
i've been waiting a long time to see this bird! their plumage is so, so pretty. this isn't unusual behavior for me when i see a new bird for the first time, but i got very choked up. i almost cried.
hopefully i can see them again tomorrow, when i have my camera.
went back with my camera