Bohemian Waxwings at Balsam near Toronto

About 120 Bohemian Waxwings were at Balsam in Durham Region, about 40 km northeast of Toronto, Ontario, on 23 January 2011.

They were eating European Buckthorn berries.

After feasting on berries, this Bohemian Waxwing ate snow. Berries in winter are pulpy, dried out and full of sugar, creating the need for supplemental water.

Between eating, the Bohemians rested quietly and were inconspicuous.

Resting quietly in -20 C temperatures.

American Robins were feeding on buckthorn with the Bohemians and quenching their thirst in the small creek beside the road, then resting. American Robins, Bohemian Waxwings and other fruit-eating bird in winter must drink water to reconstitute what has been lost in the dried sugary fruits.