For some reason, the words, “chunky monkey” come to mind when I look at this picture of a Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) who visited recently. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I indulged in a rare-for-these-days treat of eating ice cream earlier this evening. If this bird earned the affectionate nickname, “chunky monkey,” then this next one should get the handle, “slim jim.”

Don’t get any ideas about how this name came to my mind – I definitely do not eat Slim Jims. (I saw a clip from some talk show where the host was “cooking” a Slim Jim by holding a lighter flame to it. That was a new one on me!)

It is about time for the dapper Cedar Waxwings to leave, though I can understand if they are a bit confused. This morning we had pea-sized hail, and lots of it. The hail came down in a thunderstorm that also dumped buckets of rain. By this afternoon, we had a gorgeous, sunny day in the low 70°’s.

My favorite antique bird guide tells us that Cedar Waxwings have been called “Cherry-birds,” due to their taste for these fruits. My Hackberry trees are really popular with the Cedar Waxwings too, but those berries are long, long gone. I once looked into planting a cherry tree for sentimental reasons. I learned that cherry trees don’t do well in my area because they don’t get enough “chill hours” each year. In my 7b zone, it just doesn’t get cold enough – which is an interesting concept since so often we tend to look at cold weather as a limiting factor rather than an enabling factor for plants. Now that I’ve gone “100% native” with my plantings, a cherry tree would not work…with good reason.

Solitary waxwings are rare, in my experience, and this time was no exception. There was a smallish flock that was primarily interested in the trickling water in the Bird Lounge. This one is perched on a branch that is right above the water-source, where birds and squirrels both like to stop for a drink.

My camera-clicking earned the attention of this bird. The old guide says, “They are very tame and allow anyone to almost touch them while they are feeding or sitting upon their nests.” Interesting perspective – I wonder if the author had first-hand experience with this. At any rate, I wouldn’t recommend trying to touch a wild bird, especially while they are sitting on their nest. We all need our “personal space,” after all!

Perfect picture to end with.