Spark Birds 8

April 1, 2024

What’s Your “Spark” Bird?

Answers by “Sparked” BHAS Birders

So why are you interested in birding? Did a specific bird “spark” this interest? Asked this question recently, Sally Nole, a very involved BHAS member and former Board member, told us about her awakening to birding:

“In 2007, I’d been living in Lacey, near the Chehalis Trail for two years, where I loved walking my dog. This part of the trail was wooded and had several retention ponds that retained water year around. I was getting accustomed to taking my little binoculars with me because there were always birds to see.

One day while waiting to cross Herman Street, I saw the most beautiful birds I’d ever seen. There were 4 or 5 of these robin-sized birds sitting in a nearby tree. My binoculars weren’t powerful, but I could see the amazing blending of colors and the dark face mask. I went home and searched through my little bird guide and learned these were Cedar Waxwings. That weekend I bought myself a better pair of binoculars—I was hooked!”

Fun Fact: These birds like to be part of a flock and are one of the few North American birds that specialize in eating fruit. They can survive on fruit alone for several months. The “waxwing” is due to red secretions found on the tips of the secondaries. Yes, they love the cones of eastern red cedars, which are waxy and berry-like.

Audio: High-pitched call notes like a high, thin whistle. Listen here: https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/166156861

Check out: YouTube videos, such as this one of Cedar Waxwings eating berries: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sr_U9huI03E&ab_channel=andysj531 , and Cornell University for more info.