Holidays are full of so many beautiful colors and scenery.  One of the most beautiful natural for me is seeing a glorious red cardinal sitting on snowy pine branch in my birdhouse garden or pictures of birdhouses covered in snow in my backyard. Northern Cardinals (cardinalis, cardinalsis)  are very interesting to observe. The male sports the bright red plumage while the female remains elusive in her brownish red coloring.   The cardinal is a forager and does not migrate south for the winter.  They will eat among many things insects, seeds and sap.  Their population has increased recently due partially to winter birdfeeders.  They are active songbirds and remain in a location as long as there is viable food and protection.  Edible birdhouses—birdhouses that are made of natural seeds and ingredients safe to birds—are a big hit with Cardinals. They enjoy the seeds and ingredients on the house and thrive in its home.  For more information about cardinals and what they like to eat or edible birdhouses or birdhouse gardening visit ediblebirdhouses.com

Whether it’s a black and white chickadee against a snowy backdrop or a stunning cardinal dashing about in the trees,  birds are fascinating to watch and observe.  In the winter months I find I get taken away from the barren and snowy exterior surrounding me to a  world of color and warmth  when I focus on the birds in my bird garden.  I see the activities of all the species of birds in my yard.  Many of my them live in my edible birdhouse that I received as a gift one year.  Not only is it a cool birdhouse but its also super helpful to the birds. Every bird seems to enjoy eating from them regardless of the types of seeds on them.   If you ever need a lift in the winter…don’t smell a rose—get yourself an edible birdhouse and watch the birds in your backyard. You will be transformed like I am.

Nothing seems as peaceful and tranquil as looking out your  window and seeing a beautiful bird  in your garden eating and staying warm in a beautiful birdhouse. Not only is the simplicity of the bird and its lifestyle relaxing but observing its movement in and out of a beautifully decorated house gives you a warm feeling like a hot cup of coffee on a cold day.