Tag: dragonflies

Teamwork

Two Unlikely Teammates

While photographing birds at my favorite local pond, observing these two species interact was a bit of a surprise and a joy to watch.

At first, the Junco (left) appeared to be feeding the brown-eyed cowbird (right), but then both had their mouths so full that they resembled a couple of teenagers stuffing down popcorn in a theater. So possibly, they were helping each other keep hold of their catch! I’d not seen anything like it and doubt I will again.

And if you read yesterday’s post, you’ll know that they were catching dragonflies and other insects, but instead of filling their bellies, these two took off to the trees to feed their young, and returned again and again to do the same.

So if you’re kids, or anyone else, needs a lesson in teamwork and nurturing, you have only to look to the birds!

Twice Smitten

Cedar Waxwings Munch on Dragonfly Larvae

As a continuation from yesterday, above is one of my “keeper” images from a nearby lily pond.

Again, if these striking birds strike a cord with you too, please see more from the experts at the All About Birds website from Cornell University, and now that you know where to find them, grab your binoculars and/or camera and go!

Smitten

A Pensive Cedar Waxwing Perches above a Pond

June marks the time of year these lovely birds show up and perch in our trees, nibble on berries, and surprisingly (at least to me), hunt down dragonfly nymphs.

My first encounters with their appearance, feeding, and nurturing behaviors occurred here in Sequim in the spring of 2019, and I must say, I was smitten. I found them to be not only beautiful but extremely agile, cunning, and more enjoyable to watch than any football team, even with a name like the SeaHawks – sorry football fans!

Personally, finding them was and still is a challenge except on our warmest of days and in ponds filled with lily pads – where one typically finds a plethora of dragonflies hatching.

At those times, groups of waxwings, and a few other bird species, dart back and forth over the ponds, snatch gobs of insects out of the air with lightening speed and maneuverability then transport them back to their nests to feed their broods. 

My self-imposed challenge is to photograph them in the process and to (hopefully) keep one or two of my hundreds of shots. But first, this beautiful bird deserves time in the limelight, as above. But if like me, you’re inclined to learn more about them, I’m happy to point you to the experts at Cornell Universities’ All About Birds website.