Northern Cardinal

Female Northern Cardinal

The best IDs for this bird is the beak and the crest. 2 of my photos don't show this crest, but they are laid down. As you continue viewing the bird you will notice them. 

The black face stands out against the red. The bird does not migrate and is really beautiful against the white snow. The long tail gives the bird more distinction I think.

These birds are common in backyard feeders because they are drawn to residential areas. In captivity they have lived up to 15 years.

Few female birds will sing. But the Northern Cardinal sings and will sing even while sitting on her nest.

Birds singing remind me to worship God. Many find worship a burden especially when people wrongly accuse God of doing things against them or their families. God is for us, not against us.

John 10:10 "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly."

Father I thank you for your protection and warning that you give me in life. 

Cardinal

Saw this Cardinal at my feeder Saturday



Luke 12:24 " "Consider the ravens, for they neither sow nor reap; they have no storeroom nor barn, and yet God feeds them; how much more valuable you are than the birds!

Cardinal

Loess Gullies

As my dog and I entered the woods we were greeted by a Cardinal. This type of greeting has happened many times.

Making our way further in we encountered steep gullies. These loess soils are susceptible to erosion because of build up of soil and there are no rocks below. I hiked through this area but at times it presents a problem of how to cross a gully.

I made it up the steep bank by grabbing exposed roots and pulling myself up. I would kick my feet in the soil and make it to the next exposed root. My dog Molly had trouble getting up but the third attempt she made it. At another time I had to reach over the edge and grab her legs and pull her up.

The gullies were not so bad once I attacked them with an attitude getting to the top.

What is it that keeps us from gaining the victory in Jesus. Is it the obstacles that are before us or the attitude that we can't do it? I think we can do what God is asking us to do if we will put our trust in Jesus. Trusting in Jesus is not based on a lack of obstacles. It is realizing the goodness and greatness of God to conquer any problem. God will make a way where there is no way.