Yesterday afternoon I observed a young, lone cardinal standing on the terrace wall calling out in vain to its parents. The calls were pathetic. When any bird arrived at the hanging feeder, this young cardinal vibrated its wings and stood open-mouthed begging to be fed. To no avail. This went on for some time. Much too long for this observer.

This young cardinal is at the peak of rejection and frustration. Its parents decided this day was time it learned to feed itself. Notice the big feet and long nails…better to cling and grab. Oh my heart went out to this lone babe!
For the past five years, following the death of my beloved Miss Kitty, wild birds became the object of my affection. As a devotee, I feed custom organic seeds and dried fruit to most birds who visit. To date seventeen types of feathered beauties arrive year round for my handouts. Those of you who have followed along have seen numerous posts filled with photographs, as I attempt to capture the antics and habits of wild birds here in my central Virginia gardens.

If a bird could weep, this would be the face before tears flow.
Yesterday was no exception. It was time for the young cardinal to feed itself. MA and PA decided to get on with their lives…tough love indeed. I quickly found a small, shallow saucer and placed chopped sunflower seeds and dried currants, both a favorite of cardinals in particular, on the wall where the young bird was frequenting. Then it became a watch and wait from indoors with my camera perched on its tripod. Yes, these photos were all taken through two panes of glass and solar film.

When I had all but given up, the babe jumped onto the saucer…backwards…

then reversed it position and began eating like there was no tomorrow! Cheers went up from inside the house! It’s the small victories, yes?
The late afternoon storm had soaked the young cardinal, rendering it even more pathetic in appearance. For a few minutes I wondered if it was injured, as the top of its beak looked askew…
As the afternoon slipped into twilight, the babe feasted a few more times at the saucer and even managed to capture and devour an insect in the turf, giving me hope for its survival.
When morning arrived, I refilled the saucer and added another filled with fresh water… then waited for Babe.

Right on que, Babe arrived at the saucer and began its morning feast. Cardinals feed early and very late. Good thing I am an early riser.

With a healthy appetite, Babe dined for many minutes, managing whole currents. I am not sure what is going on above its right leg… hopefully not an injury.

How intelligent and spry! A huge difference from the afternoon before!

How quickly this observer forms attachments!

Babe even puts up with the obnoxious finches…the bane of my feeding efforts!

Strong appetites make healthy birds. I am delighted and hopeful for Babe’s success. This is just one example why I host these beauties in my gardens. Tough love is just that. When happy transitions occur, I exhale in relief.
As days and weeks continue here at Swallowtail Cottage and the summer melts into fall, I will gaze out my kitchen windows and follow along as my wild bird saga continues.
UPDATE: Four days following this post, Babe returns daily to the feeder numerous times per day and is drinking from the water saucer nearby. That weird clump is still hanging in front of Babe’s front right leg, yet whatever it is, it does not appear to impair Babe’s functioning.
Copyright © 2016 by Diane LaSauce All Rights Reserved
Loved your story of kindness to such a small creature…I hope Babe grows up healthy and strong.
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Babe was back with a healthy appetite yesterday. Today I was out on errands, so I hope to have a late day visit at the feeders. Cardinals are one of my favorite birds here and our state bird. They are just recovering from their annual moult and look pathetic for most of July. Then with fall, they all sport a fine new jewel-like coat for the winter months ahead. Take care! Diane
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Good story Diane!
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Diane , Your photos & story are terrific & I can only imagine how well you feel about helping this little bird get on his way in life. Great photos & a very touching story that came along at just the right time.
Good luck, Joe
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Thanks again Joe.
Good news, this Monday morning Babe was promptly back at the saucer feeder eating with gusto. I was also relieved to see it drink water from the other saucer…
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I’m so glad this little bird was finally able to feed himself … Your photos capture his story perfectly … I hope he flourishes & becomes one of your regulars. It is a reminder of how tough life can be for our lovely wild birds.
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Thank you G.
Babe was back at its feeder saucer this AM, eating with gusto. Glad to see it at the water bowl too. Hurrah!
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Your telling of this saga captured my heart and I so hope the happy ending continues. This youngster was very fortunate that he/she landed in the right place at the right time to be on the receiving end of a compassionate person providing food and water. Ha, he/she is a lucky bird…it should buy a lottery ticket!
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M, you have me laughing this AM! Thanks for your kind comments!
Babe was promptly back at its feeding saucer this AM, and holding off others who wanted to share…I still don’t know the sex of this cardinal, and hope to see its grand colors once moulting season ends…Hurrah!
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Oh, Diane – what a difference you have made in this little one’s life in so short a period of time! His (her?) entire demeanor from when you first spotted him to after your feeding and watering him is like night and day. You are really a life-saver. I, like you, am hoping that is not an injury by his right front leg, or at least, if it is, that it can heal on its own. Brava, Diane!
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Jeanne, Babe was back at its feeder early this morning!! So glad to see it sipping water from the other saucer! Leg seems to be functioning well and area above seems OK. I am hoping Babe simply brushed by some pine sap…Still don’t know the sex of Babe, and hope to see this and it’s full color once moulting ends…Hurrah!
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Keep doing what you are doing! I so enjoyed this story and appreciate your dedication in caring for our birds. I’m a bird lover too!
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Jennifer, thank you for following and your kind comments!
Babe was at its feeder early this morning eating with gusto and finally sipping from the water bowl.
I hope to see it’s full color, then I will know what sex it is. Moulting season is so unattractive, yet we are rewarded with a beautiful color treat when it ends!
I am so glad you are a bird lover too! What are your favorite birds?
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You are truly a birds best friend. If this bird could talk he would sing your praises and I’m sure he is doing so with his birdsong. Well done my very observant friend.
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Thank you Teresa. You love your roses; I love my birds.
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