On every branch of every tree, a robin. Roadside and field are crawling with the buggers. The least puddle finds a robin bathing. Aimless flocks crisscross the sky, looking down on millions of other robins below. The sound of robins drowns out all other bird song.
This happens three or four times a year -- robins suddenly sweeping in and dominating the landscape -- but this is unprecedented.
Worms are their preferred fare, but they also dine on toyon berries. The bushes shimmer and shake when they're infested by the birds.
Yesterday I stepped from the car and a toyon was a riot of robins. Yet something was amiss... there were lookalikes mixed in!
Embiggened this photo to spot 4 robins and 4 fellow-travelling imposters.
A couple of the bandits...
Which explains much:
* the "subtle coloring" Mary & I remarked on distant robins...
* the strange bird we'd seen from the rear on the sidewalk...
Now that my eyes are open, Cedar Waxwings are everywhere.
