We are fortunate that we have a yard that attracts birds including geese and ducks. Squirrels come to feast on bird seed, and once in a while a cat comes through.
The yellow cat appeared to be waiting for birds to show up. I went outside and she ran away.
I love the pretty cardinals and photograph them often. The male is bright red and the female is colored more subtly, probably to avoid attracting predators when nesting. I often think of my mom when I see these fine birds, for she liked watching them and she sometimes wore a red sweater!
Many years ago I read a book called
The Cardinal but it had nothing to do with birds. It was about a Catholic priest who rose up through the ranks. I was young when I read it; I remember being appalled when he let his sister die during a difficult childbirth rather than have the baby's life sacrificed. It was a horrible choice to have to make, but it left her husband without a wife and her child without a mother. Other than that horrific incident, I enjoyed the book.
Thank you, friends who expressed concern for Flash and sent wishes for me to feel better. I do; sometimes a night of sleeping works wonders! 
When I saw these red creatures on a sign, I wondered what they were supposed to be! I took a cell phone picture and later I finally realized what represent: lovebirds! (Never mind that they are look like red pickles!)
I was fortunate to see a flock of Canada Geese in flight as I drove home yesterday. I only had my point-and-shoot camera with me but that may have been an advantage because it focuses more quickly than my Nikon with the zoom lens. I cropped these final two pictures so you could get a closer look at the geese with their landing gear extended.
We are fortunate that we have a yard that attracts birds including geese and ducks. Squirrels come to feast on bird seed, and once in a while a cat comes through.
