Thanks - didn't realize they can't fly well until warmed up. It was 50ð f earlier that morning, so probably explains why it had so much trouble getting away. The tire was just coming out of full shade. Its lethargy is what made me think it might be dying, though certainly looked healthy otherwise. Just did a Google search and found it's not that uncommon for them to roost on car or bike tires. Wonder if they do this on cool mornings knowing the black surface will heat up faster than other options?

What a beautiful picture Julia. Hope you have a great holiday season, too.Mine is off to a bad start already. One of my daughters sent me to the eye Doctor to have my eyes checked and fitted for new glasses for Christmas, I have been wearing these I have for at least 10 yrs, and have got to where I cant read the paper with them, so she was going to get me some new ones for Christmas. Well, the eye doctor wouldn't prescribe new glasses. Said I have Cataracts on both eyes,and right one being the worse,and wanted to schedule me to go have them removed right away, I told him not so fast dr,I never rush into anything without thinking it over awhile. He asked me 3 times if I have had a stroke and 3 times I told him no I have not..I guess because I was walking with a cane. don't know, but he sure was fixed on the stroke idea.he has sure scared me to death with this surgery idea. and especially when he says they don't put you to sleep for it,as it only takes about 15 minutes.My daughter was in there listening to him and said later he acts mighty queer to her, like he might be on some thing. I have no idea, but, I want to ask questions about any surgery on my eyes before anything is done.he did tell me I could go blind if its not done,and that scares me even more,as all I think about now is spring and seeing my daylily blooms again and being on the forum to see every one elses, too. Have a very merry Christmas Julia and a happy new year. Jean

I think that you are right -- it looks like Ralph's Creeper. When I was searching for something else, I came upon a photo of a new rose called "Thrive" with blooms and leaves that remind me of your first photos. I'll put a link to the HMF listing: Here is a link that might be useful: Thrive photos

you're probably not going to want to hear this, but the cardinal is on the list of protected migratory birds - its actually a violation of federal law to disturb a cardinal's nest . . . not that any of us are going to sic the Bird Nazis on you :-) as roselee mentioned, there are many ways to protect tree trunks - maybe a different method would be a win-win for you and the cardinals - you might also check with your local county extension office to determine for sure that the birds aren't hurting the tree - if they are not, then you don't have a problem at all ~ freshair Here is a link that might be useful: Migratory Bird Treaty Act