Cedar waxwing tales

I've been following a pair of Cedar waxwings. From the gathering of nesting materials in the front yard, to watching them in the tall White pine tree chirping away. It's a busy back yard!

Tree is behind me!

Sharp-shinned on the feeder
in winter

Yesterday, our Sharp-shinned hawk flew by right into the backyard. Of course, too fast for me to photograph. It flew by a few days ago, into the back 40, with something in its talons. I also spotted a Turkey vulture circling over the top of said Pine.

The other day, I figured they were getting closer to laying the eggs. I saw the Waxwing fly from the pine tree to the dead elm, which gives me a great photo-op. When I did my close-ups and crops, you can see she's been plucking feathers for her nest.

'back 40'

Lots of milkweed in bloom

I presume this is the female who has been feathering her nest! I love the dancing tail antics!