We have a pair of cardinals who nest in a backyard tree. They hit the feeders and bird waterer, raise their young to do the same, and provide a spot of color in our yard. We fondly refer to them as "Mr. and Mrs. Moocher".
Cardinals and cats know you're a soft touch Jane. In exchange they give you some wonderful opportunities to photograph them in close up. Sounds like a good deal to me.
What a gorgeous creature. I hope that they stay with you for a long, long time. I find the females prettier than the males, actually...but then I would, wouldn't I.
