Cedar Waxwings
For the first time since I’ve lived in this house, a lively little band of Cedar Waxwings descended upon the sumacs on the back hill and commenced feasting. I was positively awed. I never knew that Cedar Waxwings eat sumac fruit. My sumacs have always been the province of the Robins when they first return in the spring. But, today, there have been several Waxwings bouncing around on the sumac trees on the hill, having a regular party. I’m inclined to think they are in the midst of migrating and just stopped by for a snack. I’m thrilled to see them. They are such beautiful birds.
They are beautiful birds. They look so soft and smooth and velvety. I’ve rarely seen any around here, so this was a real treat.
Every year we have a pair of cardinals that regularly visit the bird feeders. They are usually very early morning visitors, along with the mourning doves, and then they stop by again late in the afternoon. The rest of the day is taken by the gazillions of sparrows and juncos and blue jays. Oh...and squirrels.
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WOW, .. and what a GREAT shot!! 
I used to marvel at the Cardinals I used to have in my back yard when we lived in VA.
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Cardinals are so cheerful looking in the winter landscape!
The pic isn’t mine, sadly. I made several attempts yesterday, but they wouldn’t sit still long enough to get a good shot. Just a mass of motion. This pic was filched from the public broadcasting site I linked to. The photographer probably had a really nice telephoto lens.
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Wow, that is a beautiful bird that I’ve never seen or heard of before. The cardinal is the state bird of Virginia and they’re around but just rare enough to make it a thrill to see them.
Sumac berries. I guess winter is very near.