Walking through the park on my way home, I spot a cardinal seeming to lead the way making me think of Robert Preston in The Music Man.
I watch as he rests on the railing, then a bench before settling on the bough of a tree. As I glide by, he rises like a feathered gentleman escorting me on my right, as if keeping me out of harm’s way.
Suddenly he stops, diving into a water fountain, his red head now damp, his beak dipped for a nice long drink. 
I stand and watch as he unabashedly bathes spreading his wings wetting them thoroughly. To say I’m charmed doesn’t do my smile justice, as I’m now joined by a young woman and an Asian couple, the man making a video for the folks back home.
I long to sneak in to provide more water knowing, he’ll more than likely fly away, when a little girl toddles over barefoot in a sunsuit and does just that, holding the button causing a spray to appear like a sudden spring shower.
Mr. Cardinal, undaunted, stays put happy as can be, as I say to the Asian man, “Do you think you could send your little film to me?”
He laughs, says something to his wife in what appears to be Japanese, and I realize, he speaks no English.
Sigh
SB
We have a birdbath and the antics are hysterical. The robins create sprays of water all over. I always love to watch birds enjoying nature.
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Makes me wish I had a yard.
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Your photo is marvelous. I watched a mockingbird perform gymnastics in my birdbath and wished I could have taken a video of it.
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Me too. It was nature at her very best.
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What a lovely day at the park. I have only seen a few cardinals this year. Actually, when I think about it other than pigeons and hawks birds have been scarce. Going to have to look into this.
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I’ve been seeing many lately..a red flash flying through the trees. I love to look at them. They’re the George Clooney of birds…:)
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When I lived in Singapore, I had a swimming pool outside my front door. I didn’t use it that much but, every time I looked out of my window or walked in or out of the condo complex, it was there, inviting me. Having been raised in colder climes, I was never inured to this. There’s something almost foetal about being cossetted in warm water.
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You needed a cardinal as a pal to egg you on. Birds of a feather…:)
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One thing I love about living where I am is all the animals around. I don’t see many cardinals, but just today I had a rabbit running alongside me as I was walking to work. It was trying to get away but kept running in the same direction. Another just sat there watching me and in front of me was a squirrel, standing up on its hind legs like it was at attention. Gotta love animals. 🙂
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They know what a special guy you are, since you’re the rock stars of teachers. Nature is very smart…:)
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What a magical thing to watch. I love watching birds in my birdbath. When there are a large group of them, a few take turns perched on the edge keeping watch while the others bathe.
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Makes you want to be one.
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My neighbor has a bird bath that provides enjoyment for all of us. I often wonder if they relax in there at night with cocktails.
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That just made me laugh. In dinner jackets…you’re so fucking funny Top.
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Me too. Watching birds give your soul happiness and hope.🙂
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They’re teachers with wings. 🙂
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so true 🙂
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🙂
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Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
YHE BIRD VERSION OF A POLAR BEAR SWIM????
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Thank you. Always humbled. Susannah
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