Backyard Moments

The branches of my mountain ash tree are bending with the weight of bountiful, orange-red berry clusters. Robins and cedar waxwings are gulping down all they can for themselves and to carry back to their nestlings. This particular tree grew from a seed that a squirrel had planted in my sister's back yard. When it reached it's sapling stage, she dug it up and my brother transported it in his van to where it now grows, in my back lawn. Over the years it has been such a hit with the wildlife that I've planted twenty-five more. In years to come, they will also draw the berry loving crowd.

Cedar waxwings love these mountain ash berries.

A female sapsucker has a drilling project on this sumac trunk.

This male goldfinch shows signs of injury but still manages to get about.

Mother red squirrel lunching at the new feeder. I look forward to seeing her youngsters.