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Need Bird Expert [Bohemian Waxwing]

Konrad___far_north

12 years ago

Dedicated wife was out at minus 30C-22F taking some nice shots, bird feeding another, our wild guess, mom is still feeding a youngster?
What is going on,..perhaps love birds, mates?

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Comments (9)

joan754
12 years ago
I'm no expert but I have read that waxwings will pass berries to each other or when courting, they pass objects, like flower petals to each other.
catherinet
12 years ago
Beautiful shot, Konrad's wife! I think it could be any of the possibilities that you mentioned.
What beautiful colors.
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claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
12 years ago
No expert here either, but I'd bet on a courtship ritual too.

In any case, a gorgeous photo - your wife's valentine to you?

Claire
User
12 years ago
What a gorgeous picture! That one is worth framing.

I've seen male cardinals feed females plenty of times. I read that it's called "Mate Feeding". Found this on the web:

History of Mate Feeding

"Mate feeding" is actually a common occurrence in bird species. Raptors, such as the European Kestrel, as well as songbirds practice this ritual. In cardinals, it is seen both before mating and while the female is incubating her clutch of eggs. No one knows for sure why this ritual takes place, but there are several schools of thought.

Mate Feeding As Ritual

When mate feeding occurs prior to egg-laying, it's possible that the extra nutrition helps the female when it's time to lay her eggs. Another theory is that it may increase the likelihood that the female will mate with the male--a form of courtship. Females may also judge the parenting ability of the prospective mate by how well he provides for her.

Mate Feeding After Egg-Laying

When mate feeding happens during the incubation period, it may also serve to help with pair-bonding. This can be important to keep the pair together during the short breeding season. Additionally, it may allow the female to remain on the eggs longer than if she had to constantly forage for food.
Konrad___far_north
Original Author
12 years ago
Thank you all!

Breeding here starts in July...are they life time mates?
Couple more pictures...

This picture is exactly 6 seconds after the first.
Konrad___far_north
Original Author
12 years ago
Last picture 20 seconds after..
brookw_gw
12 years ago
Konrad, what kind of tree is that? I'm in the process of ordering several small trees and shrubs that are attractive to birds and would appreciate any advice. I'm really looking for those that are both ornamental and berry producing.
Konrad___far_north
Original Author
12 years ago
That's a Mountain ash, there are several species around here, not sure which one this is but it seem these birds love them all.
brookw_gw
12 years ago
Thanks. I'll add it to my collection as that's a nice looking tree. We cleared around 2 acres a couple years ago to build a pond and park. Now, I'm looking to replant some of the perimeter w/ornamental and fruit-bearing specimens for wildlife. Of course, I can't plant trees or shrubs on the dam, but we do have it in wildflowers, clovers, ornamental grasses, and asparagus. So far, I've got hawthorne, crab apple, cornelian cherry, nanking cherry, snowberry,serviceberriy, ninebark, viburnum, and mulberry. I've also ordered/planted several different evergreens for cover as well. The drought a couple years ago decimated our elm trees, so I'm removing and replacing them mostly w/oaks and maples.

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