The Majestic Cedar Waxwing
Courtesy of Camerauthor Photos @camerauthor
Cedar Waxwings are, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful birds you can spot in a Pacific Northwest garden. I waited for years hoping to see one on my property. A friend once told me they aren't all that common and you don't often get lucky enough to spot one.
When I first started paying closer attention to what was happening right outside my window, it was exciting enough to see the flashy yellow and red Western Tanager. They were attracted to the fresh water in the bird bath and the variety of food I had placed around the garden.
The first time I saw a Cedar Waxwing, I could barely believe it. It was perched on the bird bath, calmly sipping water. I grabbed my phone and tried to snap a picture, but I only managed to take a very grainy video. So disappointing!
Seeing them in person is incredible. The feathers look so smooth and that eye makeup is so dramatic. In the photo above you can see the yellow-tipped tail feathers and the tiny red waxy tips on the wings. When they hop or take flight, those colors swirl together in a way that’s honestly a little mesmerizing.
I haven't seen a Cedar Waxwing on my property in almost two years now, but I'm hopeful that 2026 will be their year. We do live in the Olympic Rainforest after all, where the wildlife here never stops surprising me.
Here are some general tips for encouraging these gorgeous birds in your PNW garden:
1. Provide food: Cedar Waxwings eat fruit, insects, and sugary drinks. Planting native plants that produce berries, such as elderberry and serviceberry will provide a natural food source for the birds. They LOVE serviceberry- it’s an early spring bloomer. You can also put out a fruit feeder; I have had luck with both Tanagers and Cedar Waxwings with my homemade suet cakes.
2. Think about habitat: Cedar Waxwings like open woodlands and forest edges with trees that produce fruit, native or otherwise. Planting a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees can provide the habitat they need, providing food and cover throughout the year.
3. Provide fresh water: Like all creatures, Cedar Waxwings need water for drinking and bathing. Add a bird bath or small water feature to provide a source of water. Just remember that stagnant water is a big no-no. Bacteria and algae thrive in still water, so make sure to clean your bird bath regularly and replace it with fresh water to keep your feathered visitors healthy.
4. Skip the pesticides: Avoid using them whenever possible. These chemicals harm the insects that Cedar Waxwings rely on for food. If you want a healthy and diverse insect population in your garden, steer clear of the potent stuff. If you’re dealing with pests and aren’t sure what to do, feel free to send me an email and we can work on a plan together.
5. Provide nesting materials: Cedar Waxwings build their nests using grasses, twigs, and soft plant fibers. Leaving a small brush pile or allowing natural garden debris and dead leaves to remain in certain areas can provide the materials they need to build their nests.
6. Be patient: It may take some time for Cedar Waxwings to find your garden. Begin providing food/food sources (homemade suet, native and other fruit bearing trees and shrubs), fresh water, a more protected or sheltered area to improve their habitat, and they may eventually become regular visitors.
My ultimate goal is increasing the diversity of native species on my little piece of land. That doesn’t stop me from mindfully adding ornamental plants as well. Gardening is always a balance.
I’ve lived on this property for over ten years now, and it has been thrilling to watch the same family of Western Tanager return each summer. And don’t even get me started on all the hummingbirds!
The Pacific Northwest truly is a wonderland filled with living things waiting to be discovered.
It’s never too late to start paying attention.
Until next time,
Alison - Northwest Botanista
Hi I'm Chip!
