tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446924751738546355.post4820234486446621121..comments2023-10-09T00:09:16.769-07:00Comments on Arizona: Beetles, Bugs, Birds and more: Cedar Waxwings at Agua Caliente in TucsonMargarethe Brummermannhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05623937180200255796noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446924751738546355.post-7650303116603023712012-03-14T23:39:42.525-07:002012-03-14T23:39:42.525-07:00I love the pics of the American Cedar Waxwings eat...I love the pics of the American Cedar Waxwings eating what I assume are small dates from the California Fan Palm (Washingtonia filifera). The first time I ever saw them in Southern California was while working as Landscape supervisor in El Cajon California, just east of San Diego. It was the 9:30 am break time and we were sitting around drinking coffee. I believe it was spring of 2006. Just across the yard there was a long row of several large California Holly or Toyon(Heteromeles arbutifolia). These berries are also edible to humans, though a bit bland. However, if you look at a picture of the shrub or small tree, you'll understand the bird's attraction to what they consider a wonderful food source.<br /> <br /> <a href="http://www.madrono.org/Heteromeles%20arbutifolia.jpg" rel="nofollow">California Holly or Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)</a><br /><br />Still it was an exciting experience to see something you only consider to be a backyard eastern USA bird. I all of my landscapes I planted alot of various native ornamentals which would also attract wildlife. For me part of the gardening/landscape experience is not simply viewing cleverly placed beautiful vegetation, but the interactions with bird and animal life which make it come alive. Attracking beneficial insects was also a priority and I suspect that it was for this reason I never had to use chemical pesticides which I abhor. My love for Botany started as a kid taking an interest in southestern native plants used as food and other uses by Native Americans. BTW, those native palm dates are delicious if you've never tried them. Not much meat but very tasty and understandable as to why Cedar Waxwings relish them. Good things to know if you are ever lost in the bush in the southwest. <br /><br />Thanks again for the posts.<br /><br />Cheers, KevinChaparral Earthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00618976919417073750noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446924751738546355.post-45877956013393598522012-02-19T15:04:31.462-08:002012-02-19T15:04:31.462-08:00I know nothing of birds but those pictures prompt ...I know nothing of birds but those pictures prompt me to change that, beautiful!Jonathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05392758632541763622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446924751738546355.post-62192503647772410272012-02-12T17:22:03.852-08:002012-02-12T17:22:03.852-08:00You can always count on the birds to alert you to ...You can always count on the birds to alert you to food. Beautiful photos!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01254513363963100560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-446924751738546355.post-37962403105006660512012-02-09T17:11:05.248-08:002012-02-09T17:11:05.248-08:00Hello there!!! Those pics are great!!! And thank...Hello there!!! Those pics are great!!! And thanks for the all the info and background on these wonderful birds. I don't know...I think you had the better camera:) The lighting was tricky that day. I think my pics will post in later February and I'll let you know once they are up online. The Waxwings are incredible. Saturday I'm heading to the Patagonia for a birding meet at 7:30 and then I'm planning on heading back to the Great Horned Owls area again to see if I can catch them undisturbed. Hope you are well. I'm just glad the weekend is around the corner.Rohrerbothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02136631378931478644noreply@blogger.com