Cedar Waxwing: Kennebunkport, Maine, USA, September 2026 — One more Waxwing from the small flock hawking insects over the pond. When they returned to the perch between sorties, they would often pant, or more precisely employ gular flutter with their beaks open to cool down while they watched for the next bug to chase. (I looked that up just now.) Gular flutter is more energy efficient than the panting we mammals do, and since birds do not sweat, it is their only way of cooling their bodies on a hot day when they are expending a lot of energy chasing bugs. Sony RX10 V at 600mm equivalent. Cropped to 1000mm effective field of view. My Birds and Wildlife mode. Processed in Photomator.