it’s good to be a birder, no matter the season. There are so many gifts in store for you throughout the year and you need only to step outside to receive them.
Get out there, and take it all in no matter the weather!
It’s easy look out our window, glance at the storm laden clouds above and take note of the raindrops traced path on the window pane.
Staying inside means certain comfort.
Yet, from a birders perspective there is a beautiful world out there waiting for you to enjoy while the rest stay in.
I’ve discovered that birds may be more active on days where there is a light drizzle.
The woods become alive with fluttering movements in the underbrush.
Songs and calls ring out over open fields, the sounds of life mixing with the rainfall.
Even the sight of a familiar bird like this Northern Cardinal can feel like a present when taking in the vibrancy of its colors in that soft silvery light.
I spotted this handsome fella while birding with my friend @latta.ridge on a rainy morning at Cape Fear Shiners Park in Lillington, NC.
By my estimation, Shiners park is a Cardinal factory because we saw quite a few of them out there along the trails lol!
Not that it was a surprise, after all Northern Cardinals are one of the most common species of birds found in North Carolina.
And they are popular too!
In fact, these beauties are one of the most beloved birds in the US serving as the official State Bird of 7 states representing Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia respectively.
During the winter when our hardwood forests are scarce of leaf cover, Cardinals move to more sheltered spaces.
Over the next few months, look (and listen!) for them foraging in tangled thickets, along the edges of woodlands, and in densely weeded fields across the state.
Of course if you put out a bird feeder you’re likely to be blessed with the sight of these feathered gems in your own backyard as well.
Especially if you fill your feeder with black oil sunflower and safflower seeds.
Rain or shine, in the yard or in the field it’s always nice to take the time to enjoy a Northern Cardinal.
@sally_siko of @birdwatching_nc on my mighty megapixel monster, the @canonusa #5Ds
