Yes, another bird post. Trust me, I have a lot more to go. Today’s focus is the Cardinal.
This bird has a special place in my heart for two reasons.. 1) it is my state bird (and what I didn’t know, it was apparently selected by Illinois school children back in 1928 and then made official in 1929 by the General Assembly) and 2) I accidently shot a cardinal with a BB gun (my brothers’ single cock muzzle loading Daisy) when I was a little kid. Yes… it was an accident – I was shooting at a hedge apple when I either had my sites off or the dumb bird decided to land in the fire zone. Whatever the reason, the bird literally locked his talons onto the branch, rolled forward until it was hanging upside down and proceeded to shoot blood out its neck right at me. The fact that I can still remember the exact spot I was standing and every detail of the scene gives an indication of the traumatic impact that had on me as a little kid. A beautiful (and protected) bird struck down in his prime because I wasn’t careful. I have never set my gun sights on any form of bird to this date. This is another reason I try to save little birds (see Part 4)- so far 1 adult accidently killed and 3 little birds saved
From an observation perspective the cardinal is pretty cautious…
Life Intrigued 