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Community Corner

Fruity Feasts and Tipsy Birds

Masters of the Bohemian Dance

(Hugh Vandervoort)

Cedar Waxwings have a unique fondness for ripe, juicy fruits, particularly those that have begun to ferment. These fermented fruits contain a small amount of alcohol, which some believe leads to the occasional tipsy waxwing – a sight that has captivated birdwatchers for years. Witnessing a flock of waxwings descending upon a tree laden with berries, their calls echoing through the air, is a testament to their love for a delicious and slightly intoxicating meal.Cedar Waxwings are known for their dazzling aerial displays. They perform breathtaking maneuvers in synchronized flight, twisting and turning in unison as if choreographed. These displays, often accompanied by high-pitched calls, may serve several purposes, from communication and social bonding to confusing predators and staking territorial claims. Observing a flock of Cedar Waxwings engaged in their aerial ballet is a spectacle that leaves a lasting impression. Visit Greenbury Point or Thomas Point to see this fruit lover.

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