Sometimes we become so accustomed to a thing of beauty that we overlook it. Then one day it snows, and against a backdrop of pure white there appears a cardinal adorned in red splendor. Then we remember again just how lovely these special birds are.
We have been blessed with at least 5 pairs of cardinals that frequent our yard, birdbaths and feeders. I believe they are drawn to our area because of several thick hedges nearby, places they can safely raise a clutch. They also like to nest near a water source and use our birdbaths throughout the year.
This summer, for the first time I can recall, a pair of these red birds built a nest in a lilac bush near our patio. I was able to see the babies when they were first fledged – a rare sight. They were like little cardinal “Mini Me’s” Just a few weeks old, they were spitting images of their mom and dad.
Cardinals are very territorial and they will defend their feeding areas, sometimes. Yet, on other occasions, we’ll see 3 or 4 pair sharing a fresh scattering of sunflower seeds. Cardinals come readily to a feeder, but if they had their druthers, they would feed on the ground. I have noticed on days when I have filled the feeder and scattered some seeds beneath, the redbirds first eat the fallen seeds, and then fly to the feeder.
Cardinals have very strong beaks; they are actually members of the bunting family. They can deftly shred a sunflower seed with those beaks, and with their tongues, eat the hearts while spitting out the shells. Try that sometime while perched on a limb.
Cardinals generally lay only one clutch, but they can have large families. The female lays anywhere from 4 to 6 eggs in an off-white color with a tinge of olive brown.
Whereas the bluebirds come and go, as do the robins, hummingbirds and gold finches, our cardinals are homebodies. They have set down their roots in our backyard. They live with us throughout the year and we are much the better for it.