The cedar waxwing is easily found in open habitat where there are berries. It times its nesting to coincide with summer berry production, putting it among the latest of North American birds to nest.

Cedar waxwings are sleek, masked birds with unusual red, waxy deposits at the tips of their secondary feathers. They are cinnamon-colored, with grayish wings and tails and yellow terminal tail-bands.

The August doldrums are upon us. Nests are empty, flowers are going to seed and insects buzz. But then, zucchinis run rampant; tomatoes are finally turning red and sweet corn overflows the road stands ...