Most birds that migrate to Calgary arrive in spring, to breed and then return to warmer climes before winter sets in. In contrast, a few arrive at the onset of winter and then spend the coldest months with us. One of these is the sleek-plumaged, attractive Bohemian Waxwing which breeds in northern Eurasia and northwestern North America. In Alberta, they breed in the boreal forest in the northern half of the province and southward along the mountains into Waterton National Park. In winter, they wander widely, so can then be expected throughout the densely settled part. It is unlikely, but plausible, that some of these winter visitors might actually have come from another continent.
Bohemians, in large flocks, sometimes up to 10,000 individuals, arrive in the prairie area of southern Alberta in mid October. In most years, their numbers decline, because some move on when their berry supply dwindles. Then they turn up in northern USA and as far east as Newfoundland. In late March/early April they return, once more become abundant before disappearing to their summering grounds.
On their breeding grounds, flying insects are a major food item. They also eat many species of fruit and berries. In winter, they seek out the ornamental Rowanberry/European Mountain-ash, commonly planted in cities and towns. Other fruits commonly eaten locally are crabapple, hawthorn, Peking Cotoneaster, Wolf-willow and Common Bearberry. While feeding, they often allow close approach for viewing.
The Bohemian Waxwing is one of three species in a family that develop red wax-like droplets on the tips of their secondary wing feathers, the only birds in the world that are so ornamented. The older, more experienced males have the greatest amount and apparently are preferred as mates by those females lucky enough to team up with one. The cup nest is usually placed in an isolated conifer. The female incubates the four to six eggs for 13-14 days, being fed by the male during that time. The young, fed regurgitated berries and insects, leave the nest at 15-17 days of age.
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Where to find Bohemian Waxwings in Alberta
Boehmian Waxwings arrive in the Weaselhead/Glenmore Park area in mid October, a few weeks after their cousins, the Cedar Waxwings, have left Alberta for the winter. Early in the winter, flocks tend to be large and can appear as massive living clouds of locusts suddenly twisiting and turning in unexpected directions. If the prededing summer has been kind and the berry crop is abundant, these large flocks will persist into February. If, however, the preceding summer was cool and wet and the berry crop has failed, the massive flocks of October will soon disperse into small flocks of six to twelve birds. Watch for these massive flocks twisting and turning over the winter skies almost anywhere in the park. Watch for individual birds perched on the topmost spires in Trembling Aspen groves and watch for flocks of birds stripping berries from European Mountain Ash trees scattered throughout the park. Brent Johner
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PAUL FINKLEMAN
for serving as the society's ADOPT-A-PARK COORDINATOR this year
ROSEMARIE FOLEY
for serving 7 consecutive years on the society's Board