Terrific Hieroglyphic

It's cold out, the snow still falling, but Cardinals brighten even the grayest days.

Through the trees, as far as the opposite goal post,

their neon color catches our attention.

The female waits for spring when, instead of chasing them away,

the males will be offering little gifts of food.

What do the birds mean, 

with their hieroglyphics in the snow?

This one, at least, we know.

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

Birds and Berries

The air turned sharply colder yesterday, 

and birds came to the feeder in a steady stream.

A winterberry branch, propped above the feeder, provided a good perch.

Cardinals eat the berries, stripping away the shiny skin faster than you can blink. 

Titmice, and the other small birds, haven't tried the berries yet, to my knowledge...

they're more interested in the sunflower seeds below.

Blue jays put in an appearance,

 and, as is customary, there was a short squabble...

but this time the victor was worried.

"Did I make her mad?"

Linking with Wild Bird Wednesday

and Camera Critters