Foul Weather Friend

Each time it snows, cardinals appear at our feeder. Some years, there are several pair; this winter, just the two, male and female. We rarely see them, except in the aftermath of a storm.

I've been trying all winter to get a photo of this guy! He's wary - he has to be, because his coloration makes him so visible, an easy target. When he hears the door, he either takes off or hops back into the depths of the forsythia bush where you see him in this photo. The bush is only a few feet from the feeder, so it serves an important function in making the birds feel safe.

When I saw him this morning, I grabbed my camera dashed out into the snow in my bare feet, and then stood still long enough for him to cautiously emerge from the thicket of branches. You can see that he is keeping an eye on me.

His lady joined him a few minutes after that, but my feet had had enough, and the birds did not stick around long. They never do, after the sun is up.

Counting the blessings of snow: I might as well, since it is here, and more coming, whether I appreciate it or not! Top of the list: my beautiful visitors.