[EBB Sightings] backyard birding at its best

Contrary to popular belief, it's not all about
Huckleberry Preserve. Our garden in Sheffield Village
in Oakland is most spectacular in the spring, so
despite the rather chilling temperatures of late, I
have been retreating, well bundled, to the backyard
for a warming glass of wine in the late afternoon.

No rest for the wicked, though. I must often dash back
into the house for my binocs, because the darned bird
activity takes my eye away from the pretty flowers. In
the past few days very large flocks of cedar waxwings
have been "loafing" (as my dearly departed friend
Howard used to call it) in the three liquid amber
trees in front of my house (visible from the
backyard). A rough count the other day netted me about
300 birds! Playing a faint second fiddle was an
American goldfinch, and percussion was provided by the
rattling call of a Nuttal's woodpecker.

Gotta love the swelling chorus, and wingbeat applause.

Debbie Viess