March Out Like A Lamb

There were two males and two females.  I tried to get a picture, but they were very active and didn't sit still for me to get a great shot.  I just love seeing Cardinals in our yard.  I love waking up to them early in the morning when it's warm enough to have a window open. I hope that happens soon, especially since March is supposed to end with warmer temperatures.

I love seeing the vibrant red color on the males.  It's said that early settlers to this part of the country named the birds after the Cardinals of the Catholic Church who wore bright red robes.  You can definitely tell the males apart from the the females.  The females have a much duller color to their plumage.

I thought Cardinals are migratory,  but that's a misnomer.  They flock and roost together in the winter but are usually pretty territorial other parts of the year.   I have never seen Cardinals in our yard in the winter.

I've been thinking that it is time to make a trip to the store to get some seed for them.  They prefer unhulled, black-oil sunflower seeds over all other foods.  The will also eat safflower, cracked corn, white proso millet, bread, nutmeats and peanut butter mixes.  Be sure to offer a source of water when it gets warmer for drinking and bathing.

According to the National Weather Service, March is expected to go out like a lamb.  Expect temperatures to be around the 50 degree mark for the high this weekend.