After some investigative work, the nest is found. The frequent squealing of baby birds narrows down the location to a dense juniper tree next to my house. The parents confirm the spot, after much hesitation. Even though I keep my distance they know I’m watching and are not sure if I’m friend or foe. The constant back and forth, finding and bringing food, pinpoints the spot. The parents are quick and precise. They drop the food and go, in the tree all of few seconds. 
I hesitate getting closer, unsure if the aggressive guard behavior would be directed at me. It is okay at first. But then I overstay my welcome. The parents finally swoop down on me taking the close-up photo of the nest.
Where is the nest in this photo, you ask? You really have to know what you’re looking for; the two birds are just small grey balls of fuzz camouflaged in the similarly colored foliage. They are quiet and still except at feeding time. Only their yellow beaks are visible and even then you’re not quite sure because they almost match the color of the tree branches.
I confess, I startled them once. So I know it’s them.
I’ve become my cat’s bodyguard, accompanying him on his morning rounds of the backyard. I feel it’s my duty now to keep everyone safe, at least until the babies safely leave the nest. Bryx may be too lazy to take down the adult birds (thankfully), but he is aware of the nest and babies learning to fly will be much easier prey.
Go to Mockingbird Chronicles Part III
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