Monday, January 20, 2020

A couple of backyard visitors

     It looks as though winter has finally arrived for real, and snowfall and colder temperatures recently have been very welcome. Surprisingly, given the conditions, and in particular deep snow of late, our feeders have been patronized but sparingly. 
    Two recent regular visitors were present at the same time, and there could hardly be a more stark contrast between the two. 


     A male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is probably recognizable to many readers, even those who live far from areas where they occur. I think in fact it must be second only to the European Robin (Erithacus rubecula) as a symbol on Christmas cards. An accolade much deserved too, given that seasonal greetings featuring snow and non native birds seems to be an enduring tradition around the world. It is strange on the face of it to receive a Christmas card from someone in Australia enduring temperatures in the forties, depicting snow and a European or North American bird, but that is what happens.
    A Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis) is as subdued in tone as the cardinal is gaudy. 


     As a backyard visitor it is no less delightful, however, and we eagerly await the flash of its white outer tail feathers as it flies off at high speed at the slightest hint of disturbance.
     The Northern Cardinal is not quite so skittish, and perhaps benefits from being a regular visitor, thereby knowing the lay of the land well, and where to quickly dive for cover if need be.



     The cardinal is a resident bird, you see, whereas the junco only joins us in the winter.


     In any event they were both welcome visitors and we enjoyed the time they granted us. 




     A male Northern Cardinal is usually the last bird at the feeders before dark; perhaps always the same individual. The Dark-eyed Junco seems to seek its nighttime roost a little earlier.


     I am sure that both species will return to charm us again tomorrow. And perhaps they will bring a few more of their friends. Lunch is always free at the Gascoigne café!
David M. Gascoigne,
David M. Gascoigne,

I'm a life long birder. My interests are birds, nature, reading, books, outdoors, travel, food and wine.

99 comments:

  1. ...those bright cardinals rarely visit my fedders!

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  2. Hello David, well my question in your previous blog is by seeing your photos answered. Lots of snow! What a beautyful sight this amazing Northern Caridal in the white snow. Indeed compairing with the DArk-eyed Junco it is indeed so different. Hope there will more birds tomorrow to enjoy your feeders.
    Regards,
    Roos

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  3. Wonderful birds. I always hope for Juncos in winter but we almost never get them here. I can remember seeing them in the yard only twice in the 30 years we have lived here. Northern Cardinals, though, are among our most common backyard birds.

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  4. I've always found that Christmas card thing a bit strange too. The Gascoigne Cafe certainly sounds like the place to be! :)

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  5. A delightful excursion. I wish I could string out the names of all the birds I used to feed, but I can't. Cardinals and juncos were favorites. Tufted tit mice, finches, so many woodpeckers. Now I stuck. Thanks for the look at a couple of them.

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  6. I used to see and hear Cardenas regularly in Sarnia but I seldom seem to encounter them in Ottawa

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    1. My daughter gets them in her backyard in Orléans.

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  7. : ))

    My most dedicated visitors are squirrels.

    The pictures are absolutely gorgeous.

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    1. I have my share of squirrels too with their Einstein-level intelligence!

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  8. The male cardinal is a very handsome bird. We don't have them here.

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  9. I would very much like to be an observer at the Cafe Gascoinge. Ours operates all year round too and has visitors (including some regulars) from just before first light until dark.

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    1. Well, Sue, there is the indoor part of the Gascoigne Café for human visitors. Your bed is made, the pillow fluffed - come on over!

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  10. Hari OM
    Oh, I am as green as your sidebar with envy at your having these darlings in your yard! YAM xx

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  11. The male has an enviable color.

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  12. WOW! You have gorgeous visitors to your backyard! Love the photos, David.

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  13. Lovely photos and I do like the cardinal, it stands out for sure.

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  14. Beautiful birds. Love the cardinals especially, as we don't have them at all here. Couldn't you persuade a few to fly over here? We've got enough of your geese, and the cardinals would be a fantastic addition to our bird world! Have a great day, Valerie

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  15. Hello David,

    The red cardinal is a beauty! We have the Red Robin here during the year. I envy you the snow. Here is's 4 degrees and no sign of winter.

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  16. Son dos ejemplares totalmente distintos pero sumamente bonitos y esplendorosos los dos. Tienes suerte de recibirles en tu casa e invitarles a un pequeño aperitivo que de seguro sabrán agradecértelo. Es un placer siempre el leerte y aprender mi querido amigo y profesor David.
    Un fuerte abrazo y otro para Miriam de vuestro amigo y compadre Juan.

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  17. They certainly are from different art schools! Love them both!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

    PS: cant help with murmurations in Australia - maybe we should meet up in the UK?

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    1. If you two are going to meet up in UK, I'd like to be in on the act, please!

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    2. Stewart is simply musing, Richard. We have no such plans. However, I will see him in July in Melbourne.

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    3. I read it as so, and I was aware of your visit in July too. I'm sure you'll have a splendid time!

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  18. Och så blev det vinter till slut hos er, mycket fina bilder av besökarna som säkert känner sig välkomna till fågelkafét.
    Här syns ingen vinter till ännu men jag hoppas fortfarande att få vakna en morgon när allt är vitt och temperaturen visar på några minusgrader.

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  19. Hi David.

    Lovely to see the snow and beautiful birds.

    Greeting from Patricia.

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  20. Ils sont très jolis tous les deux, c'est vrai que sur les cartes ont voit souvent des oiseaux colorés, le rouge contraste avec la neige!
    Ici il y'a plein de décorations de Noël avec les rouges gorge, les set de table, serviettes en papier, verre...
    Bonne journée

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  21. You have very nice backyard visitors!
    Wonderful birds!
    Miriam is a very talented photographer.

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  22. They both look striking against the snow, your photos show them very well!

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  23. I'm still waiting for our cardinal. Thank you for sharing yours!

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  24. Hi David,
    As to Christmas cards another bird is often used. The bullfinch is also quite popular, especially in Scandinavian countries. But it doesn't matter which of the three (red cardinal, European robin or the bullfinch) shows up on the Christmas cards, all three of them fit perfectly well. And who doesn't like to see these birds in the snow?
    Greetngs, Kees

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  25. Hello David, Beautiful capture of both the Cardinal and Junco. They are two of my regular yard visitors. I am sure they appreciate the free food. Happy Birding, enjoy your day!

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  26. Visitors like those birds are highly entertaining I imagine. We are counting crows at our feeder.

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  27. Two of my favorite yard birds also David, and finally had a couple AMGO show up at the feeders! Enjoy your week, and stay warm.

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  28. Wonderful birds captured well by your camera! No feeders allowed here because they attract bears...but somehow robins have showed up this morning, all fluffed up against the cold (20 degrees with sun.) They eat some red berries that seem indigestible, because then my car gets covered with the droppings under one of our trees.

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    1. American Robins, in fairly large numbers in some areas, even spend the winter here now. They are able to find food and shelter in ravines and other areas in city parks.

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  29. We call them our “regular customers” and like you are glad they choose us every day. This morning (a cold one for us, 27 F), we have some extra dining guests — pine warblers and several orioles. They usually winter farther south in Florida but we have had some warm weather that has enticed them to try South Carolina this year. They may be gone yet after this cold spell.

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  30. Pine Warblers are pretty hardy and I am sure they will survive with a little help from suet feeders and human friends, but it does seem far north for the orioles - and I hope they make it too. Certainly delightful feeder birds.

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  31. El pájaro rojo es el que tiene un posado mejor para tu foto y es el que mejor contraste hace con el blanco de la nieve.

    Tiempo difíciles para estos hermosos pájaros. El frío y la nieve es de gran durea para conseguir alimentos, menos mal que siempre hay almas caritativas que se compadecen de ellos.

    Besos

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    1. As you point out, winter can be a difficult time and we are always glad to lend a helping hand.

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  32. Tienes mucha suerte de tenerlos en el jardín, me alegra mucho. En mi jardín también hay varios, pero ellos encuentran bastante comida. Un abrazo amigo David.

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  33. I would love to see a cardinal in our backgarden. What a beautiful bird!

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  34. You took excellent photos. The cardinal is a wonderful bird. I really regret that I have not seen him in nature.
    Hugs and greetings.
    Lucja

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  35. Those are some beautiful visitors you get. The Northern Cardinal is absolutley beautiful in its red coat.

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  36. Hi David. We too seem to be running into winter at last - registered -7°c the night before last, but no snow, however.

    What wonderful birds to have as regular winter visitors. The Northern Cardinal stands out like a beacon in the snow! I can't imagine you getting as excited about our garden birds as I am by yours.

    Best wishes to you and Miriam - - - Richard

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  37. If a red cardinal attracts your attention it may mean romance in your future.
    There's also this belief that when you see a cardinal it means that a loved one who passed away is visiting you.

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  38. The Cardinal is quite beautiful. I wondered where all 'our' birds were this morning it was so quiet. I then spotted a Sparrowhawk hiding in one of the fruit trees!!! Have a good week Diane

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  39. The Cardinal is a lovely, bright bird. I love seeing your snow as well. I was amazed when my cousin in Bracebridge mentioned in an email earlier this week that they were forecast minus 30 degrees C. that night. I can't imagine that temperature as we think it is COLD if it gets to zero.

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    1. The coldest we have experienced in Waterloo was minus 34. Bracebridge is a lot farther north, hence colder on average than here.

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  40. I recognize the Cardinal from the Christmas cards as you say. Who can deny a free meal? I'm sure they will be passing on the good news to the other birds :)
    I only get to feed the doves in my backyard and the magpies in the front garden.

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  41. Hi David - always love seeing them ... all the birds you feature, with mostly Miriam's brilliant photos ... I too must say a few days with you learning about birds would be so interesting ... let alone food and wine to fuel the way! It sounds cold for you at the moment ... we had a touch of frost - but about to revert to warmer temps - cheers Hilary

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  42. Wonderful touches of colour in the white snow!

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  43. I haven't seen any cardinals around here yet. I wonder if the owl in the backyard is scaring them off. I would think in the next couple of weeks we should see some.

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    1. An owl in the backyard might act as a deterrent, especially if the songbirds are roosting right around there. Most owls are nocturnal hunters, however, so probably not much of a threat during the day. Do you know what kind of owl it is?

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  44. Wow!!Every time Ivisit you ..You have something special(It is like i almost envy you haha)
    Very very beautiful birds in the snow--do you really have soo much snow now??Wow..we have nothing at all..Ok i have to loook at this specila birds again..thanx for sharing!

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  45. Hi David, beautiful birds, I like the red one the most. It's very beautiful with the snow. Greetings Caroline

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  46. Beautiful images of the Northern Cardinal and the Junco. It's no surprise that we associate the Northern Cardinal with Christmas, the red color looks so striking against the snow.

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  47. Ah, my cardinals against the snow! One of the most amazing photos ever.

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  48. Hi Both,
    Always good to see the Northern Cardinal but they appear even brighter in the snow unlike the poor Junco that still appears bland. We again appear to be missing Winter, just the odd slight frost with no sign of any snow, you can keep it on your side of the Atlantic.
    All the best to you both,
    John

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  49. Hello David.
    How I love that cardinal. The strong, conical bill is impressive. You're right, it's easy to tell.
    Unfortunately in the Indian Ocean, the locals call the Red Fodi the Cardinal. Local common names are sometimes mistakes.
    I really like the junco even if it's grey, its little head is really cute.
    Congratulations to Miriam.
    Gros bisous

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  50. Hi David and Miriam,
    Awesome to have these beautiful birds in your backyard !!!
    I'm jealous though :-)
    What a beautiful colors!
    Beautifully captured!
    Best Regards,
    Maria

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  51. It's so great that these creatures visit your garden! They are so colorful with the snow as a background.

    It's delightful to see you at 'My Corner of the World' this week!

    My Corner of the World

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  52. David - you know I miss Cardinals, so it brings me much joy to see them in your post! The snow certainly has a way of bringing out the plumage!!!

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  53. Que maravilla!! uenos visitantes tienes en tu patio. Contigo estamos aprendiendo y viendo muchos pájaros que por donde vivimos no se ven.
    El cardenal te dejo fotografías preciosas David.
    Gracias por compartir.
    Buen jueves.
    Un abrazo.

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  54. You and Miriam are such a good team! Your delightful commentary and Miriam's spot-on photos really tell the story. I've seen few birds at my feeder, even after this snow, but the juncos are on the ground and I need to toss some more seed down there for them. That cardinal is a stunner. But then, cardinals always are!

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    1. Suddenly mine are all back, Jeanie. I just came in from filling the feeders, and there were about fifteen American Goldfinches, two Dark-eyed Juncos, two female Downy Woodpeckers, a Mourning Dove and a couple of House Sparrows. Yesterday we had a Hairy Woodpecker too. Blue Jays were here earlier and no doubt they will be back.

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  55. Hi David,
    these real winterconditions are looking very good. It makes the red cardinal look even more beautiful, but also the junco looks fine in this snowy background.
    Marvelous, when these wonderful birds are coming to visit you.

    Best regards, Corrie

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  56. Thanks for visiting my blog. Your photos are beautiful.
    I live in Eastern Canada in Gaspe Quebec. We usually don't see cardinals this far east. Last Winter, I had one male at my feeder. I am not there this Winter, so I don't know if he returned. I did do a blog post on " Birds At The Feeder" https://thelma-day.blogspot.com/2018/12/birds-at-feeder.html
    Thelma .

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    1. You live in a beautiful part of the country, Thelma. The Northern Gannet colony on Île Bonaventure is spectacular.

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  57. I love watching birds with my cat Lily! We chill on the screened deck in the spring and summer and with the feeders the birds come right up to us so we enjoy it. I have a special feeling to cardinals since a cardinal is a sign my mom sent me the day of her funeral a yr ago and it allowed me to pet it.

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  58. Didn't realise you were a neighbour David. I live in Kitchener. Unfortunately from our apartment we don't see many birds any more. Used to get both the cardinal and the Junco when we lived in North Carolina, and both all year round. Used to have a large feeder and lots of nesting houses in our back yard. Your pictures of the Cardinal and the Junco are spectacular. I always wanted a skirt to match the Junco's tail.

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    1. We are indeed neighbours, Jo. If you check the right side of my blog you will see that next week I will be doing two presentation in Kitchener, and more later in the year. If you are interested come on out!

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    2. Missed this comment, yes, I would love to come to your presentations. However, not easy under the circumstances. Will do if I can.

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    3. Hi Jo: I hope it will work out for you at some point. If you check the right side of my blog you will see when I am speaking in Kitchener.

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  59. I know they appreciate that Cafe too! How beautiful! We always had those Juncos in NC and called them snowbirds. They always showed up on the snowy days. Enjoy your day!

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  60. Very different in appearance, but both beautiful!

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  61. I love this post on two accounts. The beauty of the birds and the cooling affect of looking at the snow.

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  62. Lovely, I also enjoy the cardinals and the juncos at this time of year.

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  63. hello David
    in the snow and with the associated light background, the great color from the cardinal comes across very well
    Regards Frank

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  64. And who said there is no free lunch?? Beautiful photography, and I like the contrast between plain and gaudy. "Hi" from Lilly!

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  65. What beautiful captures of both birds, but especially the Northern cardinal. Alana ramblinwitham.blogspot.com

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  66. You have privileged visitors, especially the cardinal who is really beautiful

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  67. Such charming little birds. The Junco looks like he could use a napkin with all the snow getting on its beak.

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  68. Hello. Fantastic great photos! Beautiful birds.

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  69. Love the snowy scenes and beautiful birds.
    Thanks for sharing with us at I'd Rather B Birdin'.

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  70. Wow great photo's. Wish I had backyard visitors like that.

    Greetings,
    René

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  71. the Cardinals "red coat" looks very cosy in the snow :)

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  72. The Northern Cardinal looks gorgeous. We don't have birds this colourful where I live. Most of the ones who visit my garden look more like black one, but is still nice to see them, and I do top up the feeder regularly.

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  73. Wonderful birds and fabulous photographs.

    All the best Jan

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  74. Ohhhhhhhhhhh ............. I turn completely green with envy !!!! Awesome! So beautiful these beautiful cardinals and so beautifully and sharply photographed. I'm just drooling hahahahaha .... This is really amazing and fantastic to see. I would have a painting or postcard made from photo 3. Super beautiful!
    Dear greetings, Helma
    xx

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    1. You just have to come here and see them for yourself.

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