Blue Grosbeak and Cedar Waxwings in Luria Park

On the evening of May 9th around 7 p.m., we saw two different species of birds enjoying the seeds in the straw laid down by the new bridge.

In the young white barked sycamore tree a small flock of Cedar Waxwings roosted briefly after eating some of the seeds, before flying off in a tight flock circling the park before heading over the trees. I didn't get a photo of them in Luria Park, but please enjoy this photo taken earlier this spring in the Northern Neck.

The Cedar Waxwings travels in small flocks and like trees with berries, like the Holly, or places where seeds are plentiful. Ravenous, these birds can strip a tree of its small fruit quickly. Such a distinctive bird. Smooth with a black mask and yellow tipped tail.

So keep an eye out for a flock of these Cardinal-sized birds in Luria Park!

We also saw a Blue Grosbeak. This is a summer resident to our neighborhood. He was enjoying the seeds in the straw  by the new bridge.

This is a young male. They are not a common bird to spot so we were excited to see him. His beak is quite large in proportion to its head, hence the name grosbeak.

They like the shrubby undergrowth along streams. Hopefully he has a mate and will live in our park!