Cardinals remind us to enjoy the moment (7 photos)

As we move into a new calendar year, we look forward to new experiences. While we carry some challenges from the past year with us, the change to 2021 creates the hope of possibilities to come.

Days, months and years are made of individual moments. The show-stopping flash of brilliant red of the male Northern Cardinal in the snow draws our attention to the present.

The vibrant cardinal seems to call us to acknowledge the moment: to experience it just as it is in time – with no before and no after. In doing so, we can perhaps temporarily move out of the anxiety sometimes caused by reflection of the past and thoughts of the future.

Cardinals are found year round in southeastern Canada, eastern and central United Stated and in parts of Mexico and Central America. They do not migrate, nor do they molt into some drab winter plumage as some other birds, such as the American Goldfinch. This is partly why they stand out in winter months here.

In all types of weather, they tend to forage low to the ground, yet sing from on high. Somewhat unusual to songbirds, females also sing. They often mate for life and are quite romantic “tweethearts”, as they sing to each other and work together to build nests and feed their young.  In a nesting season, they usually have two or three broods.

According to birdsoftheworld.org, “Local song dialects are apparent: Mates and neighbours share most or all of their song repertoires, and repertoires diverge increasingly with increased distance.” That repertoire can include up to 28 'songs.'

Perhaps remembering that will inspire you to break into song upon seeing a cardinal. It’s another way to bring joy to your world. Sing your own song for your own enjoyment, or take it farther and share it with your mate, household, or sing from your porch or balcony. Maybe others will join you from their own space, as witnessed in various parts of the world in 2020. 

As you may extend your range of influence, cardinals have increased their habitat range in the last 200 years or so. They have benefited from feeders and especially enjoy sunflower seeds. A way to attract them to your yard, and to contribute to their overall welfare and the environment, is to plant native shrubs and trees.

Dogwood, hackberry, serviceberry, cherry, wild grape, sumac and grasses and sedges are among suggestions. Cardinals also eat insects so native flowers that attract insects can be added to the list.

As this is not planting season, may I suggest putting your Christmas tree in your yard as a new year’s gift to cardinals and other fine-feathered friends. They will find protection from the wind and cold among its branches.

Although the fine feathers of female cardinals are more muted than the male’s, they are impressive in their subtleties. The orange-red streaking of her wings, tail and crest are reminders there are times when quiet confidence is the best way to move forward.

Just as the cardinal flashes its beauty, may you find joy in individual moments in 2021.

I share experiences of bird visitors to this property with readers every couple of weeks. Until next time, keep your eye to the sky, and look for birds that may come by.

Rosaleen Egan is a freelance journalist, a storyteller, and a playwright. She blogs on her website rosiewrites.com.