Picture Window

Yesterday I dined at a place in the country, only a half-mile off the highway. The window off the kitchen sink is huge, and there are trees and feeders only a few feet away. I remarked upon a cardinal and the lady of the house said, "Oh, yes, there are always lots of red birds around." I asked if cardinals were the only red birds and it seems they were, though it sounded like Painted Buntings show up once in a while. There were very few red cardinals here, though. Most were females and juveniles. I have never before seen such a variety of cardinal markings, and the juveniles were downright motley.

There was one Tufted Titmouse at the feeder, and it took me a minute to recognize him because of his black crest. The ones I have seen before have not had the entirely black crest, and Sibley reminded me that there are two different populations in this area.

Oh, for large windows and a wood all around! There would never be enough dishes to wash.