One of my grandmothers instilled in us a family custom, passed down from her parents, etc – – to celebrate the “first” of each summer arrival.
So, the first time you have any vegetable from the garden, for example, you’re allowed to make a wish.
When it’s fresh peas, or corn-on-the-cob, it’s also customary for me to wish for more.
These pictures are of the first cardinal fledgling I’ve seen this summer. I really enjoy seeing cardinals, and certainly wish to see more.
The chick was sitting in a bush, looking a bit disgruntled, but she was the one who violated the stay-at-home order.
Apparently it’s quite common for young cardinals to attempt to fly prematurely.
No worries, the parents will continue GrubHub services, to feed the chick until it can fly.
Although I think it’s sunflower seeds, not actual grubs.
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My goodness this is wonderful. I think it looks Cardinal like with that tuft on its head.
Thank you, Anne, it’s kind of a punk look, but cute. Very calm, didn’t mind the camera one bit.
It’s a cardinal, all right, and your photos are splendid! There might be one or two more in the bushes. A couple of years ago, I saw three fledglings leave the nest at the same time, and then scatter. Those poor parent birds about wore themselves out trying to keep them fed after herding them into some safer spots.
Thank you for confirming the I.D. It was a very calm bird, I think far enough off the ground, and keeping still, so I don’t think a cat would be a problem.
In those pictures the bird’s bill seems to be aiming south and east, two of the cardinal points on the compass.
Ha! Good sense of direction. Now can you divine if this is the next Pope?
Don’t know about the next Pope; however, you’ve provided us with a Potpourri of pictures and words.
What a lovely family memory and custom, Robert. I wouldn’t have known that this little guy was a cardinal. Good deduction and good shots of him hiding.
Thank you, Jane, it’s strange the chicks aren’t red at all.
I was about to say it must be a Punk Bird, but I see you’ve already mentioned it. It does have the look of a rebellious teenager about it.
Despite the punked-out look, it was a very unexcitable sort. I talked to it very quietly while fiddling with the camera, and appreciated how still it kept.
Probably sizing you up, Robert…
Morning. How far away were you from the bird when you took the pictures?
Good morning, Neil, it’s always sunny in Philadelphia, and hot, lately isn’t it. About one yard away, it was pretty tiny.
I can hear the cardinal tweeting: Happy Father’s Day.
🙂 And Happy Father’s Day to you, Peter!!
“kind of a punk look” – True, bit looks so good to me! Really funny.
Have a great Sunday,
Pit
What a cute bird. I’ve never seen a young cardinal. Your grandmother instilled a great tradition.
I hadn’t known the kids aren’t red-colored until now. Yeah, that 1st of summer ritual is a good one, thanks Kristen.
Awww! I’ve never seen one either. The adults must be very good at hiding their offspring. I had hopes I’d see a nest this spring when I saw a pair poking about in my garden but no such luck. Baby robins do that too, leave the nest before they are able to fend for themselves.
I love the tradition of celebrating firsts.
Thanks, Melissa. It is a nice tradition, this has made me wonder, why it’s only for summer, it would work for every season, I think.
Indeed….although I can’t say the first snow makes me feel a whole like celebrating! 😦
I like that premise, of celebrating “firsts.” Any seemingly banal, routine celebration proves itself not banal by the sheer act of celebrating and observing…here’s to that, mate…
You captured some beautiful images of the cardinal chickens. Good idea to celebrate the first.
Thank you, Otto. Cardinals are among my favorite birds.
It is interesting that most young birds have that wrinkled beak look giving them such a stern visage. How nice that you were able to catch this “first”.
Yeah, a lot of young birds are really pretty odd-looking. But this what was a good way to kick off the summer, thank you
With all the years I spent east of the Mississippi, I don’t think I ever saw a Cardinal fledgling. Until I read the text, I didn’t know what that ‘do was all about, but then it became clear. 🙂 What a sight! He/she is so comical, he almost looks like a rooster in that second photo. Charming!
Very tiny, a little grumpy-looking, but I agree, charming. Thanks, Lynn. 🐦😊
The parents were lax, they didn’t inform the youngsters that flying too early was a Cardinal Sin. Welcome to the world, little guy.
Excellent pun!
I love cardinals–I believe they bring good luck. I wish I would see more of them around here in these parts. When we lived in Ohio, we saw them all of the time.
Me, too, they’re favorites, and have nice personalities. I’ll see them at the bird feeder, totally ok with sharing with the sparrows, chickadees, etc.
“No worries, the parents will continue GrubHub services, to feed the chick until it can fly.” This made me laugh. Some parent continue the GrubHub even after the chicks can and do fly. Go figure!