Backyard birding is a rewarding hobby. There are many beautiful and bright-colored birds that come around my feeder every day.

The Northern Cardinal is a true favorite for all those who enjoy backyard birding everywhere! With its striking ruby-red feathers and contrasting black mask, it truly stands out in a crowd.

The cardinal is a common bird at feeders and can be attracted by putting out a mixture of seeds such as sunflower, millet, white milo and crushed peanuts. They also eat berries and fruit in season throughout their native range. If you are into backyard birding yourself, you’ll want to provide these three things:

• Plentiful seed
• A clean water source
• Shrubs, trees and other plants for cover nearby

Intimate Portrait

I always enjoy watching the bold tail “pumps” and raised crest of a cardinal while “jockeying” for position at the feeder. They are a joy to watch and photograph. I find them to be full of individual character and personality.

For instance, this guy here… he is a feeder favorite. He is bold, quick and very observant. If the feeder is empty, he is among one of the birds that will clearly let me know by “knocking” at the window. He will fly up and flurry against the window. He will then promptly perch nearby, fly directly to the feeder, then look inside the patio window as if to say, “Come on, already! You’re falling down on your job here, miss!”

Let me introduce you to…

I wanted to share these pictures of this beautiful male that I have come to know over the last few years here. You should be able to click on each one of the pictures to make them larger. I have nicknamed this interesting guy “Misko,” which is the Ojibwe word for red.

I watch him sometimes as he sits in the mango tree and seems to be content just watching everything going on around him. When his mate is around, he is very attentive. He is fiercely protective. He also feeds her from the seeds at the feeder. I will have to post some pictures of that. It must be part of the bonding routine.

In a subsequent blog entry, I will introduce you to his unique and quirky offspring. Clearly, the apple does not fall far from the tree! He has such a personality of his own already! Can’t wait to introduce you.

I will be gone out of town for a week or so while I visit one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in the picturesque vicinity of Manistee, Michigan. When I come back, I will gladly share pictures of the newest member of the cardinal family around here, as well as sharing with you the beauty of the natural world in Manistee.

Enjoy the beauty in your own backyard today!