The Timid Birdwatcher

Nicky, quietly birdwatching, checks to see who is watching him.
(Rebel) (Click picture for larger view)

"Cats too, with what silent stealthiness, with what light steps do they creep up to a bird!" ~ Pliny the Elder

The winter birds are here; the finch, mockingbird, cardinal, mourning dove, the chickadee and others. It is the advent of birdwatching season for the cats. While the Siamese are noisy with chattering and flailing of tails and pawing at the windowpane, Nicky creeps into the room silently. He jumps to the chest top with a grace that belies his fifteen pounds and sits staring quietly out the window, even as the Siamese snore peacefully in dreamland on the bed. Such a timid fellow, he turns as soon as I walk in with that... "I didn't do it, honest!" look on his face.

And what would he be watching today? It's a very bossy, talkative but tiny little thing and brave with that window screen between he and and the kitty....

Chickadee, probably Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)

Nicky and his friend will board Friday's Ark today and his chickadee will have to tag along with him over at the Carnival of the Cats on Sunday. The carnival is hosted this week by Scribblings. See you there!

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