For several years now, we've spent more time 'in the South' in order to be nearer to a couple of medical facilities. And during this time, we've seen our resident Cardinal Family grow from a pair, to 'fifteen.'

Then, this past November, as I happened out to prepare for a predusk feeding, I witnessed a feral cat carrying off either a female, or a very young Cardinal.

Shortly after that incident, I noticed that we had lost another one.