Can anyone tell me if it is the norm for Cedar waxwings to nest in September in North East PA? I am concerned as to when and where to release the babies I have raised to flegling age. They are doing well, but I am concerned about when to release and if they will survive the cold temps here. I was considering releasing them at a friends house in Charlottesville, VA but have recently noticed that there are trees all around my property with little blue berries. I haven't been able to spot any other Waxwings since their parents tried to find the tree I mistakedly cut down on 9/5/09--they didn't find the nest....so I have been raising them. They are now eating mostly fruit and today I left them berries from those trees to see what happens
I am also concerned about when to release them---if I could fly around and feed them in the trees and shrubs I think they could go now....but only one seems really ready...and there are at least three good hunting cats in my area...so my plan at the moment is to acclement them to the surrounding area by my bird feeders in their cage and give them some flying time outside there cage in my spare room where I made a make shit perch by the window and a tree for them (branch of the tree i cut in a flower pot). I am feeding them less and giving them more fly (free) time.
After all my work and getting them this far....I would hate for them not to make it....
Loving bird caretaker
