Documentation of Cedar Waxwing
2012-222

Observer Information

Reporter:  Jan Justicewaddington   
E-mail: 
Other Observers:  David Waddington; Jan Justice-Waddington

Species, Date, Time and Location Information

Species:  Cedar Waxwing
First Date/Time:  5/18/2012
Last Date/Time: 
Duration (total time in view):  5 minutes
County:  Jefferson
Specific Location:  39 degrees, 54', 1.5" North
105 degrees, 20", 39" West

Number:  2
Age:  Unknown
Sex:  Multiple Birds - Mixed
Plumage:  Other/Unknown

Habitat

Open South slope, some Ponderosa Pine and Dg. Fir.
One juniper plus ground juniper, and wax currant.
Bird water kept fresh - slow drip system.

Viewing Conditions

Optics:  Nikon 8X36 bins
Distance:  50 ft. (known distance)
Light:  Good light but cloudy - did not affect observation.

Description of the Bird

crest - about mt. bluebird size, yellow band on end of tail, tan to gray back, gold belly, velvet look, touch of white on wing, black eye line. No full frontal view.
Behaviors: At bird water. 50 feet from window, viewed for 5 minutes. Second individual arrived. Brief copulation.
This at 8,360 ft altitude - drier and higher than expected breeding of this species.
Dg. Fir and Ponderosa Pine - open slope - few junipers, plus ground juniper and wax currant.
Call: not heard
Plumage: Spring

Similar Species Discussion

Nothing close except larger Bohemian Waxwing.
I know Cedar Waxwing from Waterton Bridge trying to confirm nesting, plus many other sightings over 30 years.

Resources Used

Colorado Birds 1992 Andrews and Righter
Colorado Breeding Bird Atlas 1998 Kingery
(used to check sightings and breeding stats after seeing the birds.)

Previous Experience

I know Cedar Waxwing from Waterton Bridge trying to confirm nesting, plus many other sightings over 30 years.

Notes

Notes made AFTER observation

Additional Information

Comments: Higher and drier than expected breeding area.
Time: 7:30 pm
Elevation: 8,360 ft.
Other Dates: Cedar Waxwing not observed in over 19 years at this location.
Nearest Town: Wondervu
Independent Observers: Jan Justice-Waddington

Materials Available





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Date Documentation Submitted

5/20/2012 7:28:00 PM