Quoth the Cardinal, Nevermore

In the spring this past year we had a new visitor to the window of my office. A cardinal, just a young buck we imagine, new to the dating scene, who seemed keen on showing off to any of the ladies who may be watching. Not wanting to be outdone by the other young men courting, he never rested. He would flit from tree to tree, into the hedge and out, and we'd see flashes of him as he went about his rounds. The branches were still bare, so it was not difficult to catch glimpses of this fine fellow, but we never thought we'd get to be as intimate with him as we did.

Since the leaves were still off the trees, there was no shadow being cast on my office window from the large bush outside. It was a great reflector, which, when this cardinal saw it, must have shown him a perfect image. Of himself.

He would go to town showing this "other man" that this was HIS turf, and no one would horn in on HIS area! He would perch in the branches of the bush and then attack the window, flying at it, pecking at it, hurling himself at this perceived intruder. We hung CDs in the bush to dissuade him, but nothing would put him off. He would start at first light, and it would continue through the day. At least until the leaves flushed.

Figuring that after a full season of being the only guy around, he would have more confidence (or have forgotten about the other guy!) and that would be that. No mating to be done, no other man to attack.

Notsomuch.


I've got my eye on you... (Photo Jan 11)


Well, the tapping at my chamber door has resumed. Here's hoping he finds some other entertainment before too long...!

Till next time,

Sarah