Winter is for the Birds and Enjoying the Northern Cardinals

 In order to see the birds, it is necessary to become part of the silence.

-Robert Lynd

Winter always seems like a good time to rest, to inhale the fresh, crisp air, to slow down and ponder our direction into the new year.  January for me is a time to pause and plan, a time to focus and refresh.  The outside world has been particularly noisy lately, chaotic and conflicted.  I've been intentional about stepping away from the noise, away from social media and to spend time doing the things that ground me and bring me peace.  One of those things is enjoying the backyard birds.  Although I have a large variety of species frequenting our feeders, I have to admit the cardinals have been a particular delight this year.  I don't know if it's the introduction of black oil sunflower seeds (we usually serve sunflower hearts which alleviate the mess), or the relentless cold, but this year I have at least six pair of cardinals.  They definitely add a pop of color, especially against the white snow.

Northern Cardinals are the state bird of 7 eastern states: Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Virginia.   They are not migratory birds but they can be found in half of the country in the eastern states, Texas, Mexico and Central America.  

Habitat choice for cardinals consists of woodland edges, thickets, suburban gardens, and towns in brush or open areas.  Their average lifespan is 3 years due to predators, but some have been known to live 8 or 9 years. 

Unlike other songbirds, both the male and female cardinal sing.

Cardinals eat insects, grain, fruit and seeds, cracked corn, safflower seeds, and their favorite, black oil sunflower seeds.  

Cardinals are monogamous and often mate for life.  Males and females both work on nest building which takes about 8 or 9 days.  Nests are made of twigs, grass, bark strips, and leaves and are lined with grass or hair.  Nests are hidden in shrubs, vines or low trees no more than 3-10 feet off the ground. 

Male cardinals sing to defend their territory and attack intruding males.

First broods of the season are usually in March.  Females lay 3-4 eggs, occasionally 2-5.  The female incubates the eggs alone.  Eggs hatch in 12-13 days and nestlings are then fed by both mom and dad.  Young leave the nest in 9-11 days!   Males often stay and feed the fledglings while mom goes to prepare a nest for the next brood.  Cardinals do not use any nest twice.

Juvenile cardinals have black beaks but when they have their first molt (when they're about a year old), both male and female beaks turn orange.

Cardinals are widespread and abundant and are not considered endangered.

While I may have an abundance of cardinals this year, I also have a large variety of feathered friends who depend on us for a smorgasbord, several feeders kept full daily thanks to my wonderful hubby. Stay tuned for my next blog where I'll be giving those species their moment in the spotlight.  Sadly, we also have had some occasional visits from a sharp-shinned hawk and sadly a female cardinal became a casualty.

I wish there was a way to prevent this and I wish I didn't have to see it, but unfortunately that's how nature works.  

I hope today's post gave you a few minutes of peace and joy and will inspire you to step away from the things that trouble you while you take a moment to marvel at God's handiwork!