Vigilant...

In my experience, Cedar Waxwings are skittish creatures, prone to fly at the slightest hint of motion.  So, it was somewhat surprising that these didn't fly as I crept steadily closer and closer to the cedars where they were feeding.  These two (adult on the right with visible "wax" on the wings and juvenile on the left with a more mottled appearance) were keeping an eye on me, but also continuing to gobble the small purple "berries" from the trees.  There were at least 20 or so waxwings in the trees, along with an equal number of robins. 

I chose this photo for today in part because I love seeing waxwings and in part because I like the symbolism of the two standing side by side, watchful.  Each ready to sound the alarm to if the flock is endangered.  Waxwings are very social birds, traveling in large nomadic flocks in the winter foraging for berries and fruit while relying on one another to be vigilant for danger.  A metaphor for life...

Charlie (our ginger tabby) had a big adventure today.  Hubs went up to the attic to replace our furnace filters and while his back was turned, Charlie crept up the stairs and into the duct work in the attic.  As those of you who have cats know - calling them has no effect other than to render them temporarily deaf.  So Hubs started crawling around in the attic after Charlie...with the predictable result that Charlie got spooked and doubled his efforts not to be caught.  After about 15 tense minutes, a rescue was accomplished.  Hubs was grubby, sweaty and stressed.  Charlie was fluffy, indignant, and stressed.  Phoebe, who stayed well away from the excitement demanded treats (just on the outside chance that something stressful might happen!)  

Three other pics from the yard today...
Waxwing, bustin' a move
First beautiful male purple finch of the season, and
Robin bokeh on the cherry tree...

Just another day on the Lane...