I returned from my walk with Monty rather despondent that I had no photos of any worth despite the fact that sunshine and blue skies had made a rare appearance. I noticed a lady across the road from our house pointing her camera up into the verge-side tree and obviously briefly wondered whether she was a mad 365er. When I realised there was a flock of birds I immediately thought 'Waxwings' because they've visited before if only very fleetingly. So I raced in, abandoned the dog and took some photos out of our bedroom window. When I realised that the birds were going nowhere I went out again and a stood under the tree taking a few shots. Then the little angels flew down onto the hedge right next to me and I was a happy 365er. I was around six-eight feet from this fellow and had my zoom lens on (in fact they came closer but it was almost too close!). Meanwhile, during all this excitement I'm becoming increasingly aware of plaintive miaowing from across the road. It actually sounded like a cat on heat so I was sure it wasn't mine. Only it was mine - stuck on the upstairs windowsill! A frantic Adam appeared and stood under her while I ran around in a panic trying to find our long ladders (failed - don't know where they are). In the end I took out our useless short ladders then ran across the road to my neighbour to see if they had long ones. While I was failing to get their attention Adam was up the ladder encouraging Rafiki to shuffle backwards along the ledge and while I was still uselessly thinking she needed to go back much further to get back in through the window I'd reopened he shot inside and opened the other window (which she had previously been parked in front of) and she not very calmly climbed back inside the house.
So three good things:
1. Adam
2. Nine lives
3. Suburban trees
PS I'll probably get round to a collage for Extras later - I need payback for the stress!
@blincodave My neighbour has fought tooth and nail to stop the council chopping the tree down - and in the autumn when a huge branch fell off I thought maybe she was wrong - now I think she's right!!
What a stunning shot!! Right place, right time. Except for the cat. We rarely see waxwings here - once every few years they come in February and eat the fermented berries from our viburnum, wobble on the fence for awhile , then they are off to who knows where. Great capture!!!
What an experience. Love the details you captured in this Waxwing. I love these birds but we don't seem them very often....and when we do, it is for fleeting moments. Well done Judith.
Fantastic shot of this beautiful Waxwing! It looks like he's staring intently at the action taking place on your bedroom windowsill. So glad all is well with Rafiki...good save by Adam. :)
Gosh I think you'll definitely need a glass of something tonight (or even now!) Happy ending for the cat and what a gorgeous shot, lovely detail on the waxwing and the berries are a great complementary colour!
What a fun story to start my day. Not so much fun for you I am sure. Awesome photo, Judith. Lucky you to get so close. Love it when the waxwings come in to feed. They can wipe a tree full of berries out in no time. One of my favorite birds - right up there with the chickadee.
It always a treat when the waxwings stop in... but I didn't see them this year... they usually swoop in... devour the berries on our foster holly tree... then fly away... this is a wonderful image! But it seems as if Rafiki got most of the attention... glad for the safe rescue!
So pleased you got your bird shot - and this is no ordinary bird - lucky you, They are after apples yet to fall off trees. If you want to encourage them you can spike apples onto your branches. Saying that, I have never been successful. Lovely capture of a beautiful bird
Such a beauty & h knows how to show himself off to his best by sitting on those red berries!
Good for Adam...super man to the rescue, I hope Rafiki was suitably grateful!!
This is an incredible shot. The bird is gorgeous; the berries are just the right accent, and the focus is perfect! I like the story, too, especially since it has a happy ending. FAV
OH, aren't these just the most gorgeous birds? We always feel so blessed to see them during the "great spring migration" that takes place over our heads higher up in Northern Ohio in May. Great capture!
That cat of yours seems to have gone thru at least five of his nine. Glad he's safe. And glad you were able to capture this pretty bird. Will have to see if we have them here.
Just catching up from the awesome (horrid word!) Marrakech experience! Lucky you on capturing these wonderful birds.....we have seen quite a few flocks on our wanderings but to have them right there, how brilliant! Wonderful story, hope Adam knows he's one of today's best things!! :-)
Ha ha, poor cat! How on earth did she get up there, lol. I like your 'not very calmly climbed back' comment, bless! Beaut of a photo too, how lovely are those birds?
@glenmoor Yes I saw them here on the same trees 2 years ago but they barely stopped - this time they stayed for hours and were fearless - I have some other nice pics of them in my other album. I hope they drop in every year!
February 21st, 2013
Leave a Comment
Sign up for a free account or Sign in to post a comment.
Good for Adam...super man to the rescue, I hope Rafiki was suitably grateful!!