Cedar waxwing in the maple

Cedar waxwings travel in tight flocks and strip a fruiting tree clean before moving on together, so finding one usually means finding a dozen more nearby. This one paused just long enough between bites to show the crest, the black mask, and the little red waxy tips on the wing feathers that give the species its name.

Why it matters

Those red wingtip tips are actual waxy secretions, not feather pigment, and older birds tend to have more of them — they’re thought to play a role in mate selection. Waxwings are also one of the few North American birds that can survive almost entirely on fruit for stretches of the year.

Getting the shot

Backlit maple leaves gave a soft green wash behind the bird without competing for attention. Waited for a still moment between hops along the branch rather than trying to catch one mid-motion.