Cedar Waxwings

I took this photo on 20 April 2014 in Caprock Canyons State Park near Quitaque, TX. No, they're not smooching. One is passing a tidbit to the other. They'll pick fruit and pass it on to others.

Cedar Waxwings. Click for larger image.

(More about Cedar Waxwings here.)

Cedar Waxwing

This Cedar Waxwing was flitting around a picnic area of the Palo Duro Canyon State Park, East of Canyon, TX. They are not uncommon in the panhandle. The first thing you'll notice is its prominent black mask. They were named for their red wing tips, because they look like they were dipped in red candle wax.

This is a social bird, and when his crop is full and he can't eat any more, he'll pick fruit and pass it on down the line to others who will continue eating. Mulberries, Juniper, or Yaupon will attract them. Cedar Waxwings do not nest in Texas, but winter throughout the state. Waxwing flocks drift around like gypsies, so numbers can vary greatly in any given area.