Cedar Waxwings begin moving through the DFW Area in mid January during their spring migration. This observation is of a large group of birds that had gathered on a row of small trees just outside my house.

Here is how Wikipedia describes the Cedar Waxwing:

Preferred habitat consists of trees at the edge of wooded areas, or “open” forests, especially those that provide access to berry sources as well as water. They are frequently seen in fruiting trees. Waxwings are attracted to the sound of running water, and love to bathe in and drink from shallow creeks. In urban or suburban environments, waxwings often favor parkland with well-spaced trees; golf courses, cemeteries, or other landscaping with well-spaced trees; bushes that provide berries; and a nearby water source such as a fountain or birdbath. Also look for them near farms, orchards, and gardens, particularly ones with fruiting trees or shrubs.

Outside the breeding season, Cedar Waxwings often feed in large flocks numbering hundreds of birds. This species is nomadic and irruptive, with erratic winter movements, though most of the population migrates farther south into the United States and beyond, sometimes reaching as far as northern South America. They will move in huge numbers if berry supplies are low. Rare vagrants have reached western Europe, and there are two recorded occurrences of Cedar Waxwing sightings in Great Britain. Individual Bohemian Waxwings will occasionally join large winter flocks of Cedar Waxwings.

In winter, these birds can be very confident and will come into gardens for berry bushes and trees and to drink from fountains or bird baths.

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6 Replies to “Cedar Waxwing – Spring Migration”

  1. Never noticed this until today.
    Montreal Quebec Canada
    14C cold for this date May 1st 2014
    Hundreds of cedar waxwing perched in trees around my house in Ile Bizard Qc

  2. I live in dfw area and had never seen them. Now I have dozens come to my bird bath for drinking water. I assume they are on their way north. Nice to see them!

  3. We live in Garland, Texas, a suburb of Dallas. The Cedar Waxeings feed off the berries of our Youpon Holly tree every year and I see them enjoying the seeds of Hackberry trees as well. The berries are in great abundance all over Dallas this year.

  4. We live in the San Antonio area and have been hosts to hundreds of cedar waxwings over the past few weeks. We put out several dishes of water and a regular birdbath, and we have had to refill them several times a day as the birds drink them dry! Now, on February 27th, they have not shown up for two days so I must assume they have left on their northern migration to their breeding grounds. Thanks, Chris, for this informative site!

  5. The ones who left San Antonio a couple of weeks ago must all be at our house in Kerrville, TX! Today I refilled the birdbath three times along with a couple of smaller water bowls we hang for smaller birds. Waxwings are beautiful birds but oh my, they do make a mess! They feast on purple berries at a neighbor’s house and then come here for their water. I’ve washed our deck off 4 times today. I enjoy seeing them but am now ready for them to continue on to another area!!

  6. The cedar waxwings were here today! They we’re enjoying the redberry juniper trees. Two we’re obviously having a disagreement but separated as if all was resolved.
    Sure enjoy seeing them each year….. another of God’s wonderful works!

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