Unexpected Guests!

Have you ever had guests drop in unannounced--50 at a time?  That's what happened to us this past week!

We had just filled the birdbath and were enjoying our morning coffee, when we heard a loud commotion on the patio.  When we looked out, there were not just one or two birds enjoying the fresh water--it looked like about ten or fifteen.  There wasn't an available inch in that bowl.  As soon as one would leave, another would fly in!!  A migrating flock of Cedar Waxwings had discovered our birdbath!

Of course, my first instinct was to run for the camera, but by the time I had retrieved it they were gone!  However, when we went outside we heard them twittering in the tops of our forty year old oak trees.  That meant another mad dash into the house to change lenses.  Even with my 500mm lens it was a stretch to get a photo.  

These migrants come through every so often toward the end of winter.  Usually they stay long enough to strip the hawthorn or the American Hollies in our yard of the berries, and then they move on.  In the photo I tried to take of the entire flock (see the little dots in the tops of the trees?) I counted at least 50 birds.  That doesn't account for the ones I had seen fly off before taking the shot.  

Did you know that bird-watching is America's second most popular hobby?  The World Bird Sanctuary offers guided bird-watching programs led by our experienced wildlife experts on selected dates throughout the year.  For more information about our bird-watching adventures click on our home page link on the right side of this page, or call 636-225-4390, Ext. 0 for more information or to make a reservation.  

Fees for this adventure are: $7 adults, $5 children under 12

Remaining Spring dates are 4/19, 5/2 & 5/24.  Call or check our website for Summer, Fall & Winter dates.

Birding adventures last approximately three hours.  Dress for the weather, binoculars recommended.