Northern Cardinal, April 2022
Sometimes I feel super lucky. A Northern Cardinal pair chose the Dombeya in our inner courtyard to build a nest. What's a Dombeya (Florida Hydrangea)? You'll remember with this photo when it was in bloom.
After blooming, the tree needs to be pruned back. So it looks like this now. Perfect for a nest, right?
Under the garden, a biodiverse selection of plants alive with color and insects, and water bath.
So, just moments ago from the kitchen front window. I saw the male sitting in the Bottlebrush with a mouth full of seeds to bring to her. The process is like this. Sitting and sitting on that nest calling and calling as if saying "I'm hungry, I'm hungry." Oh my, she is devoted. And he, so serious about his responsibilities.
To create less disturbance, I often leave from the back door and walk through the butterfly garden. Looking out back has some luck in it, too. I saw this Great Egret in breeding plumage, pruning and posing as if knowing I'd show you.
And a Great Crested Flycatcher on the Wood Duck box.
