Friday Bird Feeder Blogging

cardinal birdfeeder.JPG, originally uploaded by cheflovesbeer.

Friday bird feeder blogging, with new features. Yesterday, I saw this birding post by Ruth and thought, I should add cool facts too.

• Population density and range of the Northern Cardinal has increased over the last 200 years, largely as a response to habitat changes made by people. However, it is listed as a species of special concern in California and may disappear there because of habitat loss.
• The female Northern Cardinal sings, often from the nest. The song may give the male information about when to bring food to the nest. A mated pair shares song phrases, but the female may sing a longer and slightly more complex song than the male.
• The male cardinal fiercely defends its breeding territory from other males. When a male sees its reflection in glass surfaces, it frequently will spend hours fighting the imaginary intruder.
• Brighter red males hold territories with denser vegetation, feed at higher rates, and have greater reproductive success than duller males.

I can always tell their at the feeder by their chirping.