What a gorgeous picture! That one is worth framing. I've seen male cardinals feed females plenty of times. I read that it's called "Mate Feeding". Found this on the web: History of Mate Feeding "Mate feeding" is actually a common occurrence in bird species. Raptors, such as the European Kestrel, as well as songbirds practice this ritual. In cardinals, it is seen both before mating and while the female is incubating her clutch of eggs. No one knows for sure why this ritual takes place, but there are several schools of thought. Mate Feeding As Ritual When mate feeding occurs prior to egg-laying, it's possible that the extra nutrition helps the female when it's time to lay her eggs. Another theory is that it may increase the likelihood that the female will mate with the male--a form of courtship. Females may also judge the parenting ability of the prospective mate by how well he provides for her. Mate Feeding After Egg-Laying When mate feeding happens during the incubation period, it may also serve to help with pair-bonding. This can be important to keep the pair together during the short breeding season. Additionally, it may allow the female to remain on the eggs longer than if she had to constantly forage for food.

Wow! I didn't know that birds will steal nesting material right out of another bird's nest. Hopefully the thieves will finish their own nest and then have no need for the vandalism. Claire

Those little birds are so adorable. & be on the alert: In spring, they get "drunk" on fermenting berries (I forget what kind of plant), & land on the ground, reeling, easy game for any predator. All they need is a safe haven until they sober up!

I also never see the waxwings at my feeders, but they do appear when the winterberries are ripe, along with robins. The flocks will come and devour the berries and then go off to wherever they go next. Someone who posts on this forum, Konrad I think, has experience and wonderful pictures of cedar waxwings in Canada so he would have information for you. Claire