This guy embodies spring – a flash of color in a dark wood, highlighting the emerging redbud flowers.  Mated pairs of Northern Cardinals stick close together, and sure enough, this guy was keeping watch about 10 feet up while his mate was making short flights between shrubs at waist height.  Looking for a spot to nest, perhaps?  Will have to keep an eye on these two and see if they settle down near the house.

Photo credit – Lynn Abbott