Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks in the Upper Valley

A short loop along both sides of the Connecticut River yesterday afternoon produced two large flocks of winter visitors. The flock in White River Junction, VT consisted of over 200 birds, mostly Cedar Waxwings.

I found them along Route 5 in front of the cemetery just south of Wilder. They would feed on crabapples for awhile, then fly high into a tree to rest.

Below is a sequence of 15 photos taken over a 12 second period of a Cedar Waxwing who just didn’t seem to be able to swallow the crabapple it chose. Unfortunately, I stopped photographing it before the outcome was revealed.

Here is another sequence where the bird was more successful in swallowing the fruits of its labors.

The flock flew up into a tall tree again, sat still for 10 minutes or so, then, in several waves, flew south. They did not come close to cleaning out all the fruit. I have spotted only 7 Bohemian Waxwings in this photo.

I headed south and found the flock working the trees in front of the Upper Valley Haven. They only stayed for a short time before heading to parts unknown. Before they departed, I got a photo of a Bohemian Waxwing. At the Haven, the waxwings left less fruit on the trees than near the cemetery.

Across the river in Lebanon, NH I found a flock of over 50 birds that seem to be mostly Pine Grosbeaks with some Bohemian Waxwings mixed in. They were in the trees and even on the roof of the NH Circuit Court building in Centerra. I was able to get photos over the course of two minutes before they flew high in a tree and then, about 5 minutes later, departed leaving much fruit untouched.

This photo of a Bohemian Waxwing shows that Pine Grosbeaks had been there before. Note the smooched crabapples — the Pine Grosbeaks only eat the seeds.