FINALLY BACK TO GREEN SPRING GARDENS - THE CARDINAL

On Monday, April 5th, we woke up to warmer temperatures and bright blue skies.  It was too good to waste and we decided it was time to get back to Green Spring Gardens, one of our favorite places about 35 to 40 minutes away by car.  A lot of people had the same idea as it was more crowded than our last visit back in the summer, with people who obviously had the same idea as us, to get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather.  It was not uncomfortably crowded, with 90 percent wearing masks, but those few who didn't were well away from others, unless they were with their family members.  We were very comfortable walking around.  It has been over two weeks now since we received our second Covid-19 vaccination.  We wore our masks and are still following safety guidelines.

I will be sharing more of our walk next time, but today I wanted to concentrate on the Cardinal.  We had just walked up a steep incline from where we started out, by the ponds.  At the top of the hill is a bench and it is our habit to sit there for a few moments.  Gregg happened to look up and saw a flash of red among the branches, which is a sign to pick up the camera and take a look as quickly as I can.  I only had seconds to take his photo before he flew off into the trees.  

I was happy to see him out and about.  We had arrived when the sun was high in the sky.  Not the best time to see or photograph birds.  He was a gift and one we thoroughly enjoyed as we sat on our bench.

The Cardinal's scientic name is Cardinalis cardinalis.  You will see it on the edge of forests, parks and yards across most of North America and parts of Central America.  We see them in our garden all year round and they look especially pretty in fresh fallen snow.

You can read more about them at this link.  If you scroll down the page you will see other links to several recordings of its song.

Thank you for looking at today's post, and enjoy your day.