First Singing Cardinal of 2023 for Me: Feb. 7, 2023

In 2022, I had my first singing cardinal on January 18.

In 2021, it was February 10. Of course, a cardinal will occasionally sing once or twice before that. But, generally cardinals stop singing for many months starting in July after their chicks have fledged. In mid-winter, it is time to rev back up with their cheer, cheer, cheer, birdee, birdee, birdee.

The whole group heard several ecstatic outbursts this morning at Downsview Park. Interestingly, female cardinals also sing – not the norm in bird species.

Northern Cardinal (male)
Northern Cardinal (female)

Other birds:

American Kestrel
American Kestrel
Mourning Doves

With rain in the forecast, I did not bring my long lens and missed close-ups of American Kestrel and Common Raven.

Fortunately, group member Jim Crummey did bring a long lens and sent me these.

American Kestrel: Photo Jim Crummey
female Cardinal: Photo: Jim Crummey
American Tree Sparrow: photo: Jim Crummey
American Tree Sparrow: photo: Jim Crummey

Park scenes:

Some botany:

Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina)
Great Burdock (Arctium lappa)
White Spruce (Picea glauca)
Switch Grass (Panicum virgatum)
Red-osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
Silver Maple (Acer sachharinum)
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Linden (Tilia cordata)
Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)
Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor)
Hop-hornbeam (Ostrya virginiana)
Redbud (Cersis canadensis)
Large-toothed Aspen (Populus grandidentata)
Mourning Doves by Silver Maple
Black Walnuts (Juglans nigra)

Today’s group:

MAILBOX

Definitely a series to be shared! 😁

NATURE POETRY

How beautiful is the cardinal
Who brings us love in winter!
His red shines brightly in our hearts
And we never need to squinter. – Karen Eckert

Miles Hearn

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