Betty’s Birds

Cardinal

Have you ever heard this saying, “When cardinals appear a lost loved one is near”? Many cultures value the cardinal as an important creature bringing good fortune, news or love from a lost loved one. It is always a positive sign.

The root of cardinal is Latin for important. So why were they considered important…these seed, insect and fruit eaters? They are beautiful birds, but what do they do?

Males often crash into windows or mirrors trying to vanquish a non-existent foe. They are territorial and protective of their mates and young.

Once the male establishes his territory the female will sing. Male and female will perch side by side, necks stretched, crests up and sway side to side while singing softly.

Being altricial they hatch naked, blind and helpless. The male brings most of the food to the chicks and may also feed his mate who shares it with her helpless chicks. The male cares for the first brood while the female incubates the second clutch.

The feeding instinct of parental birds is very strong, drawn by calls and gaping beaks. Should they lose their brood, they may begin to feed another brood of the same species. One cardinal was even observed to adopt a school of gaping goldfish at a pond where the fish were accustomed to being fed by humans.

What a lovely scene! Perhaps this gentle scene inspires in us hope, love, or fond memories of ones we’ve lost.

Mourning Dove

Why do we associate doves with love, hope, peace, maternity, and purity? Even as a child I loved hearing them in the morning. I thought their name was morning dove. Their call is considered mournful and, in some cultures, they are associated with death and rebirth. They are always a symbol of something positive and uplifting.

Let’s look at their behaviors…These birds are monogamous. The male courts the female by performing a gliding, spiraling aerial display over her, then on the ground he struts before her, feathers fluffed and nods his head. He brings her the materials for the nest and she builds it. He may defend his territory by bowing repeatedly then lift his head and coo.

They build their nest in a protected area like in a cactus that will deter predators or perhaps in a potted plant where you provide the protection. The male sits on the nest during the day and the female at night. They both feed the young crop milk the first several days. The male continues four to six days longer than the female. Seeds are introduced after three days of crop milk.

One of the most hunted game birds, their life span is 1.5 years though individuals have been known to live more than 20 years. To me this sweet bird represents family.

Betty Salter is a Naturalist and Trail Master at The Great Outdoors. She is a butterfly enthusiast who enjoys hiking, birding and working with all the animals in our resort. Betty is also very active with our local Firewise program.