Question:

Does anyone know what this bush/tree is?  It's the one in the back behind the hydrangeas.  It's really hard to see in this pic.  But we have lived here since June and I can't figure out.  Until recently, it has just been leaves.

 

But about a month ago, it started sprouting these buds:

 

And ever since, more and more buds are showing up!  There are probably hundreds on each bush (I have two of them).  But nothing will open!  It's been over a month.  And what kind of thing blooms in late fall/early winter?  Any ideas?  I can't figure it out.