One of the things I like most about summers at the cottage is our backyard.  I love clearing out the cobwebs of my mind in the crisp cool mornings, sitting on the deck with my hot tea.  I love staring at the bright red and yellows in my pretty green window box while I contemplate life.

And I especially love the birds.  We have all kinds, but Mama and Papa cardinal are especially lovely.  They come for the food, of course, and they have no fear of us.  We sit a few feet away and listen as they call to one another.  We watch as they fly over for their morning meal, eyeing us without much concern.

But this weekend, I noticed something new.  Mama cardinal kept flying into the bushes, pulling off branches and flying away, around to the side of the house.

Curiosity finally got the better of me and I hoisted my slow-moving morning self out of my cushioned chair and waited by the side of the house.  The next time she flew over, I watched.  And this is what I found.

A nest!  She’s building a nest!  I’m fairly sure, but not certain, that Cardinals don’t lay eggs in the fall.  Perhaps she’s just planning ahead?