I was so excited to see Mr. Cardinal today in the large tree near my window...

[CTyankee]

Haven't seen them for many weeks, altho she may have been around but he's more noticeable.

I told hubby they are back. I can't imagine where they've been...do they come out more often when the weather is warmer?

[niyad]

1. That is wonderful.

[Ocelot II]

2. I've been besieged by them all winter - sometimes as many as 6 at a time

on my feeders or lurking in the nearby apple tree. I'm not sure why there are so many this year, maybe because it's been unusually warm, or maybe they like safflower seeds. They also peck away at the peanuts before the squirrels and jays get them.

[CTyankee]

3. do you scatter seeds on the ground for them? Where can I get saffower seeds?

[Ocelot II]

4. I don't scatter them on the ground; I have several feeders on poles.

You can get safflower seeds at stores specializing in bird seed, feeders, houses, etc. This outfit, where I shop, has stores all over, and you can order online: https://www.wbu.com/ I like safflower seed because squirrels aren't that crazy about it (though they'll eat it if there's nothing else). Sparrows will eat seeds off the ground but cardinals seem to prefer the feeders.

[GreenWave]

5. I get safflower from Wild Birds Unlimited.

I used to get a few Cardinals, now I get over a dozen as "word" gets out!