Juvenile Cedar Waxwing - The Spring Result

Back in 2007, I had this great opportunity to capture over 50 photos of the juvenile Cedar Waxwing [Bombycilla cedrorum]. The amazing thing about all juvenile or baby birds is that they don't know the definition of danger at this early stage of life. They are very vulnerable; thus, the function of the parent is to protect them.

Out of many, here are the photos; note on one of them the yellow marking on the tail. The nice thing was that I was able to get very close; we are talking 2 feet away. I guess he or she must have been really new to the world and enjoyed my photo shoot. This is my second great photo of the juvenile bird, as some of you who have been blogging with me for a while know my famous juvenile Barn Swallow [Hirundo rustica], the one I've been hiding my face behind. Then I had to shed some feathers and show you the real me. The moment was the same: I was able to get very close with my camera, but not too close because parents were around.

The interesting part is that I recall those moments when Matthew was a tiny baby and would go from person to person and just be there, look around, smile at everyone, and observe. Sometimes I wondered if he knew who his mother was. And now, at 10 months and 1/2, he knows. Matthew recognizes familiar faces; occasionally, after getting to know someone, he will eventually go to them, but not for long. In the last couple of weeks, Matthew has learned how to be affectionate. Unfortunately, he started by hugging a stuffed bear first, but he is now hugging us too—of course, when he wants to. We got him his first shoes this week, so guess what? He is ready to go outside, and yet he does not forget the jacket. I wonder sometimes how much he knows; it seems like everything we do, he wants to do: walk, talk, eat, write, answer the phone, and cook.

Spring is finally here, and all the birds in our neighbourhood are singing away—yes, mating season. Those red-winged blackbirds just don't give up. Geese are flying from place to place. Crows from one end to the other, and the seagulls are the same. This is not a very exotic bird crowd, but hey, it's a sign of spring, and soon we will be out for adventures too.

~ Anna