We have a family of cardinals moving into the palm just outside our porch. At least I hope we still do. We (myself & Nickie, the gray cat) noticed the couple checking out the palm yesterday and today we noticed that construction had commenced. While speaking to my bride on the phone and watching the male bring materials to the female I realized that I should photograph the progress of their efforts. After hanging up I immediately grabbed the camera and came back out. There was a battle underway. Two males were fighting it out big time in the back yard, squawking and tumbling across the ground with wings a-flapping. I got some shots over the course of 3-4 minutes before combat left the area. I’ll never know which one won.

The female in the equation fled the scene.

 

Rockledge, FL 4/6/11

Above: Early construction

 

Rockledge, FL 4/6/11

Above: Combat

 

Rockledge, FL 4/6/11

Above: Between rounds