My mother Laura and Helen Mae were good friends. Occasionally, they and their husbands went camping together. Other days, they compared bird notes over the telephone. After breakfast and when the menfolk had headed out the door, Helen Mae and Laura would check out the birds hanging around their respective bird baths. Then, they would discuss their birding results.
One spectacular day in October, close to Helen Mae’s birthday, Laura’s phone rang. Helen
Mae had a flock of cedar waxwings drinking at the bird fountain! A bit envious, Laura glanced out her west window. Lo and behold, she spied a flock of the beautiful cedar waxwings drinking water as well!
Each woman, with their Roger Torey Peterson bird books in hand, checked out the details.
“Peace Loving Birds”, Helen Mae remarked. “They have the nickname “Happy Campers!”
“Not like the fighting robins”, Laura recalled.
During the summer and early fall, robin battles had been prevalent. As the leaves fell and the days shortened, robins displayed cranky and aggressive habits.
“They swallow berries whole”; then drink water.”
The small, blue berries on cedar trees were a staple food for the cedar waxwings. Hackberries and any withered apples or pears clinging to the upper branches were also important food sources.
Laura and Helen Mae discussed the markings and habits a bit longer, then ended their phone conversation. After all, someone else might need to use the party line.
Helen Mae and Laura would have loved the images, apps and clips available in 2022! They were on this earth just a little too early to enjoy the advances and advantages of birding technology. Their appreciation for their feathered buddies lives on in their friends and family.
Comments