Winter brings on the Bohemians

[Donna]

Sharp-eyed birders spot large flocks of winter waxwings

December was welcomed with a wild wind and rain storm, and mild temperatures. The main activity around our area was centred on the arrival of considerable flocks of Bohemian waxwings attracted by the crab apple trees that are loaded with small, succulent fruit.

Don Wigle found a number of them on the road in the Experimental Farm. There was no spilled grain or other food for them to find and, sadly, some of them had been hit by cars. When he saw them drinking water at the side of the road, he wondered if it was the salt they were after.

Wilson Hum followed 200 to 300 Bohemians in the Fletcher wildlife garden and the Experimental Farm. He saw a female sharp-shinned hawk fly in and grab one and carry it off.

Bohemian waxwings are winter visitors. The cedar ones breed here in the summer. Bohemians are a little larger and greyer. The best distinguishing mark is the russet under tail coverts. They are white in the cedars. Also the Bohemians have more pattern on the wings, a white rectangle, some red "wax" that the cedars may also have, and a thin yellow line running down to the base of the tail. Both species have the noticeable bright yellow band at the end of the tail and the silky plumage.

Tom Skeldey reported 40 Bohemians in Merrickville, in two flocks flying back and forth from the woods to the food.

Poor little Waxwing.

Ottawa Citizen