Monday, April 8, 2019,

This is a male Cardinal singing his heart out. Two of the things that Cardinals sing for are love and to claim territory. Female Cardinals are also known to sing as well, so perhaps some Cardinals also sing for pleasure. Not just “I love you, be mine” and “This is where I live”, but maybe even “Hear my song, isn’t it beautiful?” And, yes, their songs are beautiful. I’m glad for their voices and for their songs, whatever they might be saying. JK

JK

Wednesday, March 27, 2019,

Female birds often get short shrift when it comes to observations of avian beauty. While I am certain that all males find their counterparts beautiful, it seems that we human observers focus on the male birds and tend to ignore or disregard the females. Meanwhile, they are no less attractive.

Their subdued coloration is probably a genetic-borne defense to help them stay unnoticed by predators while they raise their young. Mother Nature is very wise in Her ways. However, even with “drabber” colors, those ladies are still a wonder to behold. Female Cardinals are amongst the prettiest birds that we get to see here on Long Island, even with their muted  coloration. Look at this bird. Do you really think that she is any less spectacular than her mate?  JK