Back in 2023, Momma and Poppa cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) raised three clutches of little cardinals, and by the time they were done, they were looking a little rough. Last year they only raised two, and they didn’t look too bad in the fall. Last years youngsters stayed around longer than usual, and Poppa expended quite a bit of energy chasing them off, but they have all finally moved on. Now it looks like he’s getting himself prepared for the next breeding season. He’s looking quite handsome as you can see from tonight’s photos. He’s putting away some groceries, but is no longer super hungry and running off most of the other birds. Before too long, it will be time for him to mark his territory and start chasing everyone (except Momma) away again, but at least for the time being, we have some peace.

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