On life and death

It is the new year (in my book), a time of renewal and rebirth. Bees are in a frenzy, trying to visit many flowers as they possibly can. Pollen is falling in lazy drifts from the pine trees. Lawn mowers are clogging the air with the sounds of their motors.

DEATH
Spring is not a time you expect death but it was at my doorstep yesterday afternoon. It is the second songbird that has fallen prey to my windows. The first was a Yellow-Rumped Warbler. This time, one of my beloved Cedar Waxwings.
They have been devouring the berries off of the Eleagnus growing along the woodline over the last few days.

After admiring her beauty, I gave her a proper burial and said a little prayer.
I love that yellow color of their underbellies.

LIFE
On a brighter note (literally), I have a Painted Bunting frequenting my feeder. Amazing.