Winter Birding Tour # 2

Today's sightings on the M/V Shamrock:CapefearNaturalist.com

Herring Gulls
Double Crested Cormorants
Ring-Billed Gulls
Black Back Gulls
Forster Terns
Great  Egret
Great Blue Herons
Canada Goose
Tricolored Heron* observed a group of eight in the marsh huddled near a oysterbed
White Ibis
American Oystercatchers*first sighting on 2012
Willet
Brown Pelican
Kingfisher
Killdeer
Common Loon
Western Sandpiper
Fish Crow

Cedar Waxwings Winter Migration

The sleek cedar waxwing have been numerous over the last two weeks in New hanover County. I have observed them in flocks of 30-60 flying into most often Cherry Laurel trees,which produces a black berry that the birds gorge themselves on.

The waxwing has a interesting high pitch whistle and in winter stay in tight flocks high in the canopy of the native fruit trees. Look out for them in your area, and be sure to notice the flashy yellow tip on the tail feathers.

Attached is a photo of a Ceder Waxwing through my binoculars,

keep birding,