Dear cardinal fans,
Last night, a ruckus was going on in the woods across from my apartment. When’s the last time you heard that word? Ruckus, brouhaha, disturbance. As it turns out, it was two Northern Cardinals, one chasing the other. So, I left my armchair and went outside to have a closer look. The swishing and tapping was like a high-stakes pickleball game at Randall Park.
Amid the bare trees, their branches lightly dusted with snow, I spotted a bright red cardinal, vivid against the dreariness of March. One cardinal settled on a branch. Another male cardinal arrived and invaded the first cardinal’s personal space. The first one moved to a higher branch. The second bird continued his aggressive antics. The exhibition continued until the first bird reached the top of the tree. He then abruptly flew off to a friendlier domain.
Initially, I thought the first bird was a young one learning how to fly. After all, a cardinal brood most likely hatched in mid-March. But I looked closer through my binoculars. I realized he was a fully grown cardinal. He displayed his vibrant red feathers as impressively as the bird he bullied.
Male cardinals often engage in vigorous territorial disputes as they compete to attract new mates. I felt a strong urge to scold one and say, “Leave that bird alone!” But deep down, I understood that nature has its own ways. It’s essential to allow wildlife to follow their instincts, even when their behaviors seem intense. Watching them struggle and thrive reminded me of the often conflicting aspects of life all around us.
Have you ever caught two cardinals attacking each other over a potential mate? I’d love to hear about it in the comments.
Until next time, enjoy nature in your world, even if it’s only from your window.
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