Sometimes, if you’re lucky, you can develop a relationship with the birds and animals that live in your yard. Since I’m the one who does the feeding, many come to know me as a friend, in a way. I have such a relationship with one male cardinal. He’s my friend, Red.
This cardinal and his mate nested in an azalea bush in my front yard last year and perhaps the year before.
But last year, as I was feeding my bluebirds fresh meal worms, the male cardinal soon figured it out. He would see me going to the bowl where I put the worms, and would wait close by for an opportunity to fly up and get a mouthful before one of the bluebirds chased him away. So I began tossing a few mealies on the ground. Red showed up every time I went outside knowing there might be some free meals for his youngsters if he stayed close.
Normally, I have found cardinals to be among the skitziest birds in the yard. I would appear on the back deck and they high-tailed it immediately. But not Red. He would come practically to the edge of my feet, and cock his head as if to say, “Okay. Where are the goodies?”
Fresh, live meal worms are a perfect food for most all baby birds. They are full of protein and easy to digest. I buy them by the thousands.
The cardinals have not nested yet, as far as I know, but last week I went to the back of the yard where I store seeds, and there was Red, perched in a forsythia bush. I walked within a few feet and he never flew. Rather, he recognized me and showed no fear whatsoever. I guess he was trying to soften me up for some free meal worms again this summer.
Rest assured, he will have plenty. After all, he is my friend.
