Cardinal Love

Vivid red Cardinals are a common site around Hoe & Shovel. The males are certainly one of the most brightly plumed of all the birds we have around here. And oh how they can belt out some serious tunes. There have been many days when I stop working in order to locate one's perch as it sings out tirelessly its melodious song. I don't take that for granted anymore. Not all gardens have the pleasure of these cheerful & brightly colored birds visiting often and even making it their home.

There has certainly been an increased amount of male/female activity in recent weeks. I've observed a whole lot more than I've been able to capture with my lens.
Fortunately, this little flirtation went on with my camera already in hand as I was actually trying to capture a blue jay acting very territorial about the feeders. Surprisely, the male cardinal won out. He's about to score twice.

A female just happens to fly in on the neighboring feeder for a quick meal. Don't you just know he is trying to think of something clever to do or say next once he discovers he's got company.
With very little persuading he quickly makes one hop and "hello, there" ...

now assuming his nonchalant position about the fast move.

Silly, silly female. All he had to do was act like he wasn't paying attention for a moment and now she's all about trying to gain it back. A little piece of advice to her.... "No, don't do it... make him work harder!"

Certainly he has come up with some very coy remark to return the flirtations. Now that he's right in the palm of her hand... she resorts to that shy, tucking of her head as if to say, "who me?"

Wow, that didn't take much. Is he sharing his meal with her or could this be a little thing called love?

It's really sweet but I still say she should have asked a few more questions before giving up her personal space!