The ripening of red winter native Toyon berries coincides with the arrival of large flocks of these dazzling beauties. The elegant Cedar Waxwing sports a black mask and sleek pointed crest plus silky beige plumage tipped in waxy red and yellow.

Listen for the high-pitched, trilled whistle as dozens descend from the treetops to feast on the festive red berries of the California native Toyon bush so very plentiful in the Urban Forest, Shipley Nature Center and throughout Huntington Central Park. It is a welcome and unforgettable wintertime spectacle.

Photos by James Kendall      Written by Betty Kanne

Bird of the month flyer