Cedar Waxwing Fledgling Update, 08/21/20

I called the Avian Wildlife Center this morning to get an update on the Cedar Waxwing fledgling. I spoke with Giselle and so far it’s all good news. The bird is comfortable and eating well. In fact, the bird has begun eating on it’s own out of a bowl. Next step is to introduce fruit on the vine to allow the bird to practice eating more like in the wild. The bird is still begging for food, opening wide whenever food is being given, and it won’t be until this stops that the bird will be released. Also, Giselle never releases a single Cedar Waxwing. They are a social bird and she has found that they do much better with other CEWAs. Fortunately, there is another CEWA at the center, so if all goes well they will be released together. The two birds are not together yet as “my” fledgling still needs to have a stool sample tested for parasites. So far, so good. I’ve got my fingers crossed, I’m knocking wood, etcetera…

~What a little sweetie. Cedar Waxwing fledgling at Beaver Pond, 08/15/20.~

I also wanted to apologize for my delayed response to many of the comments on the last post. The site has been updated, and as with many updates, there have been some issues. For some reason it is not notifying me via email of new comments. I’ll try to work out that bug, until then I’ll try to check for comments more diligently.

10 thoughts on “Cedar Waxwing Fledgling Update, 08/21/20”

  1. Thanks for the update, Matt. I think that YOUR CEWA is hooked on catfood and is begging for more of that delicious stuff. I can see it being attracted to lakes and rivers for the rest of it’s life and not ever knowing why! When I saw the topic of your post I was hesitant to read it but I’m really glad to hear that all is going well. I hope that you get to photograph its’ release. That would be special.

    1. Luiz – I was thinking about a photo of it’s release too, but I don’t think that’s in the cards. Maybe when I follow up again I will ask. Matt

  2. what a great continuing story Matt. you got us all hooked on the future of this bird.
    but important – as it’s ‘father’, don’t you think you should give it a proper name. “Cedar waxwing fledging” is just so bland and unimaginative. “matt jr., mattie, if a girl – “cecelia”? Thanks!

    1. What a great idea Jeff. I struggled writing this post because without a gender it just feels clumsy. So I did a search for gender neutral names – and I’ve decided on Carson. Which I didn’t really think of as gender neutral, BUT , it’s meaning is: dweller of the marsh! How perfect is that?

      1. love it. carson it is. more important – you’re kindness and follow through is just so admirable. bravo to you matt! and please keep us updated – i’m hooked.

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