A male cardinal

The rain returned today, but the birds were still singing. It was mild, with highs in the mid-50°s (F).

Male cardinals are holding forth, singing up a storm -- and establishing their territories. This was a post about another male cardinal in late February.

This male was up in the Yoshino cherry trees near the geology museum (in the garden where I work). He was singing loudly - check out this recording.

They have a wonderful song (or call) -- distinctive and recognizable.

Cardinal songs

A male cardinal was singing loudly in the crepe myrtle near the garden shed this afternoon. 'Whuut, cheer, cheer, cheer...' he sang. Here's an excellent link from Bird Jam and Lang Elliot to listen to a cardinal's song.

'This is MY territory' he said, translated from cardinal language. It was the first cardinal song I'd heard this season. My gardening companion probably heard him this morning- he commented on how many birds were singing now.

We're in a time of winter turning into spring, with wildly variable weather, coming out of a very cold winter for our region. But definitely spring is in the air, with apologies to those of you that are still cold and icy.