No. 26 — The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum)
Hand-carved songbird by Geoffrey “G.B.” Davis

Materials: White Pine, Glass, Steel, and Leather
Dimensions: 6 1/2" L × 3" W × 4 3/4" H
Finish: Traditional milk paint, waxed and buffed
Status: Available

Description
Cedar Waxwings are often heard before they are seen. Their high, thin calls usually give them away just before an entire flock descends on a fruiting tree or shrub. When they arrive, they work quickly and efficiently, sometimes stripping a tree of berries in a matter of hours. Late last spring this happened in my own garden when a dozen or more waxwings spent the afternoon feeding in a serviceberry tree. It was quite a spectacle to watch.

About the Project
This bird is part of 50 Little Birds, a collection of hand-carved Indiana songbirds by artist Geoffrey “G.B.” Davis. Each bird represents a species found in Indiana and is inspired by the artist’s personal encounters with birds in the field. Carved from softwoods and painted with traditional milk paints, the birds are small objects meant to be held, studied, and shared. In this collection, every bird has a story.

Closer
Each bird in the series is offered as an individual piece, but together they reflect an ongoing body of work shaped by observation, memory, and a lifelong love of birds.

Availability
Each bird is carved and painted by hand. If this particular bird has already found a home, I am always happy to carve another for you. Because every bird is handmade, each will have its own unique character.

One small birding detail you might enjoy: Cedar Waxwings are one of the few birds that regularly pass berries from one bird to another before eating them—almost like a little assembly line. That behavior could make a fun future description if you ever carve a pair of waxwings. 🐦🍒