When Bob Gilreath spotted this Northern Cardinal at his feeding station earlier last week, he grabbed his camera for a couple quick shots of it. Northern Cardinals are uncommon here in the Keweenaw, they do visit occasionally, but not on a regular basis. Their range is generally south of the U.P. for the most part. Many folks believe that a visit from a Northern Cardinal is a sign that their loved one that has passed on is safe and happy, even if they are far away. So, Bob had an old friend from high school pass away and was having a tough night when he found out, then the next morning this Cardinal was at his feeder and they haven’t seen it since. He said they’ve only had two Cardinals visit their feeders, one in 2021 the day after his buddy died and now this one after his high school friend passed, so he figures if that doesn’t make you believe it, nothing will. I’d have to agree.

Turkey visitors have become a common thing now, but years back it was rare to see wild turkeys around the Keweenaw. The third photo was snapped by Debbie Jarve in her travels. She figured they were thinking, ‘What’s UP Doc?’

Then the bottom photo comes from Jean Dessellier. It’s dinnertime at the Dessellier’s and they have a plethora of guests. Here again you can see the increase in turkeys around these parts. They sure outnumber the deer on this day, but that one deer is nose in the dish, getting its share of the dinner treats. We’ve already had turkeys chase the deer away from where we feed them, by flapping their wings at the deer...yikes!

Today’s video is from the Cornell Lab Bird Cams, which captured a smart Hairy Woodpecker who ‘froze’ in place, remaining motionless, when a Cooper’s Hawk landed on a fencepost nearby. Cooper’s Hawks are predators that can even capture birds in flight, but on this day, the Hairy Woodpecker was making sure he wasn’t going to get caught. Pretty amazing!

Uncommon Cardinal spied in the Keweenaw,
turkeys spied Uncommon Cardinal,
deer spied turkeys, Hairy spied Cooper.
A lot of covert operations going on in the
UP this morning.
I’m incognito so please contact my assistant,
Miss Moneypenny.

Very informative and interesting post, Mary! I didn't realize that cardinal's range was South of the Yoop. So it's a special thing to see them any time UP. And nice to see the turkeys - if they are being nice! The vid was interesting too - birds are so smart!

Hi
I have heard that bird feeders, which attract birds,
can then also attract hawks and other predators to
come feed. I have never personally seen it but then
I don't have my own feeder.

Bob...those beautiful cardinals did visit to bring
you a wonderful message! How stunning!

I've only seen a female cardinal twice, while down
in Baraga...never a male. AND the deer and
turkeys....like you, Mary, the turkeys wouldn't
let the deer in while they were there. lol...the
Tom would patrol....he'd walk back and forth out
from the girls....and no deer got in...they had to
wait for the turkeys to eat.

And what an awesome video! I had a Cooper's Hawk
visit the feeders in B. too....didn't know that
till today!

What a great set today. I totally believe the
cardinal theory. My father, brother and mother in
law all passed in the month of December. Last year
we saw 3 cardinals in the yard. Almost never see a
cardinal UP here. Makes a believer out of you.

Cool video. Smart bird.

Something strange is happening to the Cardinals. Here in Northern Illinois I usually see dozens in my Hawthorne tree. This year nothing. I then put up a up a feeder 2 weeks ago and saw one couple but they never found or liked the feeder.