When a Cardinal Appears...

Time for another episode of “all creatures great and small” or otherwise known as “the animals of NUMC”. Seems a lot of critters like to call the NUMC campus home, and I think that is such a blessing. In fact, as you probably guessed, I love that! NUMC has over the years been the residence for a variety of God’s creatures including ducks, fox, bats, rabbits (lots of rabbits), Guinea Fowl and now as you see on the front cover of this issue we have a pair of cardinals who have decided to build a nest and raise a little family in our courtyard. There is a pair of cardinals who can regularly be seen hanging out in the trees just outside the office window. I’m not sure if this is the same pair with a nest in the courtyard, but odds are pretty good that they probably are. This photo was taken of the beautiful male cardinal just outside the office window one day. After being notified of the nest and eggs in our courtyard well of course I had to go on a quest of knowledge to share regarding these beautiful birds.

Cardinals are among the most popular backyard birds in the United States. In fact, they are so popular that seven states declare it the official bird (the most for any species): Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. The male “redbird” has a distinctive crest and vivid red plumage while the female’s plumage of brown with red accents is more subdued. Cardinals are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.

The Northern Cardinal received its name from early European settlers who thought the bright red plumage reminded them of the cardinals of the Roman Catholic Church, high ranking bishops who wear red robes and caps. The pair of cardinals in our courtyard just happened to land at the Methodist Church, but I’m sure they’ll find it a welcoming place.

As usual in my quest, I discovered something about this beautiful bird which I did not know and I found fascinating. Cardinals are monogamous and will remain together for several years. The male feeds the female as part of their courtship. The male cardinal will aggressively defend his territory during nesting season, chasing away intruders and even mistakenly attacking his own reflection in windows and other reflective surfaces. The female cardinal sings duets with her mate during courtship and while on the nest. Her singing tells her mate when to bring food and also when to stay away. This warning keeps the male’s visits to a minimum so his flashy bright red color doesn’t expose the nest to predators.

The cardinal is rich in symbolism. It is a symbol of joy, happiness and luck in many cultures and religions, especially in Native American mythology and folklore. It is considered a great omen to see one. I’ve always been told if you see a cardinal it is a sign from God to let you know your loved ones are with you from heaven. I love that thought and every time I see one of these beautiful birds I wonder just who it might be. I actually find it comforting to see a cardinal outside my window.

Meanwhile back at the nest in the courtyard…I went on vacation after taking this photo of the eggs, and since their eggs hatch in 12-13 days and the young fledge (leave the nest) 9-10 days after that, I missed the big event. I was informed however by a person who was keeping a close eye on the nest that they witnessed the male and female cardinals perched on the edge of the roof in the courtyard one day making a whole lot of noise while the youngsters took what appeared to be their first flight. She reports that the baby cardinals were an adorable ball of fluffy pink feathers. A successful hatch! Could these cardinals be the next Frank and Marie? (Those were the names of the pair of ducks who for years raised a family in our courtyard.) We’ll have to see what happens next year. For now we’ll wait to see which of God’s creatures decides to call the NUMC campus home next. Stay tuned! Sandy Vesledahl - NUMC Office Administrator

“I saw a cardinal in my tree, the bright red color so beautiful to see. Thoughts of loved ones brought a smile to my face, as I watched it flitter about with grace. Visitors from heaven they are said to be, I feel blessed that you came to see me.” Author Unknown