by January 31, 2023
I moved my fountain to the edge of the covered patio this winter, to relieve myself of the almost daily task of cleaning up the crepe myrtle litter during the summer. Another upside is that now I can watch the birds in the fountain from my office window.
A few days ago I saw several cedar waxwings lined up along the rim and sunk down to drink. Hunting all those berries is hard work!
I took pictures through my window (glass and screen), so they are not crisp. But I was happy to manipulate the birds without fearing them. Cedar waxwings are sleek beautiful birds with smooth gray feathers, black mask, yellow rump and red streaks on their wings.
The water cooler gang appeared to be part of a backyard cedar waxwing convention. I looked out the kitchen window and saw fluttering confetti swirling in the air — dozens, maybe a hundred wax wings! Through my binoculars I could see birds landing in a tree on the other side of our fence and diving into a hole. Aha! That hollow holds water from a recent drizzle—a natural birdbath.
It’s probably a mosquito incubator in the summer, dang it. But I’m glad to know wildlife like these visiting birds have water sources I didn’t know — and up a tree, to boot!
Come back anytime, my feathered friends.
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dig deep
Learn about garden design from the experts here Garden Spark! I host private talks with inspiring designers, landscape architects, and writers several times a year in Austin. These are limited-attendance events that sell out quickly, so join the Garden Spark email list to be notified in advance. Just click on this link and ask to be added. You can find this year’s speaker lineup here.
Plan to join Budding Plant Sale and Festival March 18 at John Fairy Gardens in Hempstead, TX. There will be rare and unique plants, as well as art, ceramics, jewelry, food, drink, music and other entertainment for the whole family. Members have early access and get free. Non-member admission is $5. Children under 12 are free.
Experience a surreal garden at the Zilkar Botanical Garden, with an enchanting neon-art display throughout the park, food and drink, music and dance, surreal performers and interactive art sculptures. Surreal costumes are encouraged! 25% of event proceeds benefit the Zilker Botanical Garden Conservancy. April 6 (VIP Night), April 7-8 and April 13-15 runs from 6:30pm to 11pm.
All material © 2023 by Pam Penick for Excavation. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.
