winston & tweety.

for over a year now, our little lions have loved the bird feeder we have hung on our patio. while most of their days are spent lounging around and cat napping, this one feature provides endless entertainment and intrigue to otherwise rather boring lives. especially now with spring in swing and summer on its way, all the chipper birdies have been out in full flight with bellies a-grumbling, making our little balcony a very popular hot spot.

usually stuck behind a glass window pane, franklin and winston are tortuously tempted by our feathered friends. upon spotting such a winged creature, they freeze in pose, fix their gaze, open their mouths and start "chirping" at their wistful prey. no matter what you do, they are fixated in a trance. if only they could get their tufted paws on just one!

well this weekend, they had their chance. between the two of them franklin has always appeared to be the more skilled hunter....at least with insects. he can bat them down, capture them between his paws and scarf it down before you are even aware of his kill. what a little bugger. winston on the other hand appears more careless and clumsy...prompting stephen to call them the true pussy of the pair. of course, i rebut by trying to, although ineffectually, defend his honor. he's not worthless!

but this weekend winston proved his prowler status all on his own...twice!

both on saturday and then then again today, 2 different birds flew into our apartment and with one bounding leap, the fierce yet graceful lion swiftly captured the fleeting bird between his teeth. the first time we were both astonished...or rather, i started jumping around screaming for the unlucky bird's life while stephen remained on the couch, merely impressed with winston's fortitude.

the 2nd time was a bit more exciting, as i let winston keep the little sparrow in his mouth instead of forcing him to spit it out. bad kitty. this time he ran into the apartment and crouched down while the bird remained completely still. but as he tried to adjust his grip, the bird escaped and frantically flew around, bumping into windows, trying desparately to get out with his life. but as winston quickly caught him yet again, this time we pushed him back onto the balcony to release frightened being to where in belongs - the open air.

poor winston was so upset...not only has he forever lost, for the 2nd time, his captured prey but his flighty-feathered playmate as well. he wasn't really in for the kill anyway, just a good time. but that's ok, his plumed teaser toy fortunately has the same effect AND without the risk of avian flu. ew.