The simple beauty of a cardinal in our backyard resting on St. Francis’ statue was a peaceful moment I captured in our old home. Is it nature imitating art or the other way around? If you’re familiar with St. Francis, you know countless stories of his preaching to birds in trees. There is even a famous Giotto painting of St. Francis and birds.
This statue was given to us by friends at my husband’s retirement party a few years ago. St. Francis has stayed with us and now graces the courtyard across from our front door. We figured that was a more meaningful location to bless our home. Related to this, there is also the fact that when we were in Italy, Assisi was our favorite city.
The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird. They are very territorial, and it’s not uncommon for them to even think their reflection on doors could be another male. I witnessed that several times in our old home. A male cardinal would sometimes “attack” its reflection. The vibrant red color indicates their health and vigor. When they find a mate, it is for life. They are monogamous.
Female cardinala do not have very bright red plumage. Both male and female cardinals have very distinctive songs. You can listen to them on the All About Birds website.
Enjoy! Keep clicking and capturing the beauty your eyes find.
For I.J. Khanewala’s Birds of the Week Invitation XCIII.
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Anne Sandler
Beautiful images Egidio!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Anne.
I. J. Khanewala
The cardinal is a bright flash in gardens, and it looks good perched on that white statue. I like watching them although they are so common.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you, I.J. I hesitated tagging the invitation because cardinals are so common.
margaret21
These are all fabulous bird photos which St. Francis himself would have loved. Especially that first one!
Egidio Leitao
Thank you so much, Margaret.
Toonsarah
How apposite to see that beautiful bird land on your statue of St Francis!
Egidio Leitao
I agree. It’s so fitting. Thanks for writing.
Rebecca Cuningham
Beautiful. Great capture of the cardinal on Assisi!
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, Rebecca.
Tra Italia e Finlandia
Sono uccellini meravigliosi. Maschio e femmina.
Egidio Leitao
Davvero. Grazie.
Vicki
I love the photo of the red cardinal sitting on the terracotta pot. It’s stunning. Those cardinals have such a beautiful red colour. I think your shot is one of the best I’ve seen.
Egidio Leitao
Thank you for your kind words, Vicki.
solaner
What a wonderful combination: a cardinal on top of a mendicant monk. Well spotted 👍👍👍👍
Egidio Leitao
Thanks, André.
solaner
😊