No bird adds a breath of life to a snowy winter day like a cardinal. The male cardinal's vibrant plumage looks its best against a backdrop of newly fallen snow. When the female cardinal arrives in her no less beautiful in her more subdued attire, theanticipation of the male's grand entrance showcased against a blanket of white rises precipitously. It's hard to take our eyes off these birds. As a result, we get surprising glimpses of their daily lives. Standing in front of the picture window one sunny afternoon, I watched in amazement as a female cardinal flew up in front of me and hovered as if searching for something. She then dropped a few feet and plucked a spider out of its web. I have seen Cedar Waxwings and flycatchers do this, but I never expected such a slick aerial snatch from a cardinal, which prefers more sedate ground-feeding and feeders.
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