Cardinal dies after strange behavior

[Howieh]

I just went outside to check the feeder and I am very sad to report that my only female cardinal has expired. Earlier today I noticed her huddled under the feeder, all puffed up and seemingly oblivious to everything going on around her. Even when all the other birds (mostly sparrows) were feeding on the ground and all took off at once she never reacted, and at one point a squirrel approached her and made threatening gestures and she still hardly moved. I just found her lying on the concrete slab beside the air conditioner; left her there but took some pictures. I called Toronto Wildlife but they're not interested in birds and OFO doesn't list a phone number on their website so I'll probably dispose of the body in the regular garbage. If anyone knows of another agency that might be interested in examining the remains let me know.

[BC]

The Royal Ontario Museum might be interested although I don't know who to call there.

[rcflier]

Perhaps Raven 11:11 might be interested.  

See this thread
viewtopic.php?f=5&t=9482

[Bird Brain]

The Royal Ontario Museum might be interested although I don't know who to call there.

Hi BC.  I called Mark Peck at ROM this afternoon and left a message on his machine.  Will let Howie know if they need the Cardinal.

[Howieh]

It looks like other animals (squirrels?) have been chewing on the remains so I decided it would be best to dispose of what was left. Things are pretty normal otherwise - lots of squirrels, including the little red guy, chickadees, sparrows and one lonely? male cardinal!

[Axeman]

Could she have hit a window ?

[Howieh]

Could she have hit a window ?

Very doubtful, the last time I saw her alive she was in the middle of the yard and when she tried to take off she could barely get off the ground.

[Howieh]

A few days ago I thought I saw another female cardinal hiding in the bushes but I couldn't be sure. Well today she's out in the open -  looks like he has a new girlfriend! He's not singing though, must be conserving energy....

[Bird Brain]

Well today she's out in the open -  looks like he has a new girlfriend!

That didn't take long!  

He's not singing though, must be conserving energy....

:lol:

[Howieh]

Well, he's been bringing her around everyday for the past week, has no shame (typical guy, except for me of course!).
He's been very quiet but SHE often makes chirping sounds when he is at the feeder - I wonder why?

[Howieh]

I watched him chase her all over the place early this morning and now he's sitting near the top of the tallest tree in the neighborhood singing up a storm! Does that mean he caught her??

[Howieh]

I watched him chase her all over the place early this morning and now he's sitting near the top of the tallest tree in the neighborhood singing up a storm! Does that mean he caught her??

Update - I don't think he's caught her (yet) 'cause he's feeding her - so cute to watch! I hope they nest close by but I'm not that hopeful because I'm across the street from a wooded area.