I forget which year it was but one time we had a HUGE flock of Cedar Waxwings that swarmed in and took to the fresh water in our bird baths and seeds/suet feeders. They were very thirsty. It only happened once or twice the nine years we were there. Messy but pretty birds.
Things happen in terms of food sources, weather, etc., which cause birds to change their habits. They are very smart critters for their circumstances; and very serious about the essentials of their little bird lives.
Cedar Waxwings appear to be year-round in about the Northern third or so of the US, and they Winter in the rest of the country.
I don’t recall ever seeing one, or recognizing it; even though it’s supposed to be year-round in my area.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedar_waxwing#Distribution_and_habitat
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cedar_Waxwing/sounds