Questions with

Jeff Woodard

WINTER’S

BRIGHT SPOTS

Story and Photos by Deanna Frautschi

There’s nothing that warms me more on a cold winter’s day than seeing a cardinal pair outside our windows. These bright spots of color add a little magic to the day.

Usually cardinals pair bond and stay together throughout the seasons. Since they don’t migrate we get to enjoy them all year.

Though they will turn to eating berries in winter and early spring, humans can help supplement their diet when the ground is snowcovered by supplying their favorite black oil sunflower seeds and a heated birdbath so they can get a drink easily and groom their flight feathers.

Some legends say seeing cardinals outside your windows means those you loved who have departed are still watching over you. I like to believe this is true and often think of my own mother and father who loved watching cardinals outside their home.