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.

Bird songs

It's been heartening to hear the songs of American Robins, Northern Cardinals, Tufted Titmice, and Carolina Wrens recently. It means spring is almost here.

And, according to Journey North, the spring migrants are on their way, including the Ruby-throated hummingbirds.

The changing seasons bring a delightful cycle of plant growth from vegetative growth to flowers, fruits, and seeds, the timing depending on the native origin of the plant. These plants provide cover and nesting habitat, food for caterpillars (great nestling food), and fruit and seeds, for fruit and seed-eating birds.

An excellent balance, to be sure.

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.