Actually we did get the job done. As it turned out, nothing was going to move the female off the nest, no matter how close our presence was below.
So we're all very pleased, and our young son is quite enamored with it, but we've had to stand firm on the "don't touch, leave it alone," rules.
(Odd though, we're certain she only had one chick whereas I understand Cardinals are supposed have 2-5?)
D.
