One was probably my all-time favorite bird - the Cedar Waxwings.
I just love their markings (especially on the eyes!), the crest, and probably adore them more because I only get to see them for a fleeting moment each winter. I only saw them around for a few days, basking in the treetops on a warm winter's day.
This guy is so cute - reaching for a berry on the tree. I plan to add more berry-bearing shrubs and trees to my yard over the next year to hopefully keep them around a bit longer.
The second star was a giant hawk that I spotted across the street in my neighbor's yard, hanging at the top of a very large tree, close to a squirrel's nest, no doubt looking for his next meal. When I first spotted him, I actually thought he/she had a kill in the tree, considering the big clump of feathers that I saw. Nope - it was just the hawk's massive tail. This hawk was much larger than the Cooper/sharp-shinned hawks that have been hanging around my yard over the last month or two. I'm horrible at hawk identification, but I think it might be a red-tailed hawk. Please help confirm/correct my ID!
The past few weeks have been chilly and wet in Central Texas, with temperatures dipping into the 20s (F), accompanied by wind and sleet. The Inca doves tried to keep warm on a dreary gray day by fluffing out their feathers.
Yet, I know that spring is on the way, as indicated by this American Robin, likely starting to make the journey back North for breeding.
Then there are the "regulars"... first, this Carolina chickadee.
Then there is a cluster of female red-winged blackbirds. It is strange how I see the females hanging out so often and haven't once yet spotted a male.
I couldn't have the post only cover the pretty birds in the garden, so here is a wasp, pollinating my peach tree to close out this month's wildlife recap.
Thanks to Tina over at My Gardener Says... for hosting Wildlife Wednesdays on the first Wednesday of every month!
