Robins arrived in a flock at first light along with a few bluebirds and cedar waxwings.
They stormed the birdbath...
and descended on the dogwood trees...
and seemed disappointed to find that every last berry had already been stripped.
Undeterred, they spread out over the frosty ground, bobbing their heads down into the grass with the rhythm of an oil well.
On each upswing, a bright red berry lodged between their beaks, then slid down their throats in one swift swallow.
When every last berry had been vacuumed up, they flew south, leaving as quickly as they came.
They left behind a good reminder for the New Year:
The early bird gets the berry.
Seek and you will find.
