This is one thankful little bird!

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Indiana's Official State Bird

Cardinals became Indiana's state bird in 1933.  Cardinals are unique because they are the only red bird with a crest in the United States.  The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says that the cardinal's popularity really grew in the 1800s.

Photo by Carol Carpenter on Unsplash
Photo by Carol Carpenter on Unsplash
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Cardinals have been present in Indiana for a long time. In the 1800s, the cardinal was sought after as a prized cage bird. Hardy beautiful and a good singer, the bird lived well in captivity when cared for properly.
Today, the cardinal is protected throughout the United States, and its brilliant color and vibrant song brightens many drab winter days.

I've lived in Indiana my whole life, and I remember when I was younger I heard some interesting cardinal lore, many people believe that if you see a single cardinal, it's a sign or a visit from a loved one who has passed on.  Whether you believe the cardinal lore or not, I think we can all agree that these vibrant red birds are stunning.

Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
Photo by Timothy Dykes on Unsplash
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A Rare Up Close View

Usually, if we spot a cardinal it's from a short distance, like the bird flying overhead or perched in a tree.  However, one Indiana family got a really incredible up-close view of a cardinal!

Photo by Sandi Gaunce Macklin
Photo by Sandi Gaunce Macklin
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When scrolling through Facebook I saw the photos of an adorable little cardinal perfectly perched on someone's finger and I was stunned! How on earth did they get the cardinal to sit perfectly like that? The photos were posted by Sandi Guance Macklin and according to comments, the cardinal was actually rescued from a hawk.

We saved him from a hawk. He hit the window and couldn't fly. We kept him safe until he could take off on his own. He was one of the sweetest things I have held.

 

Photo by Sandi Gaunce Macklin
Photo by Sandi Gaunce Macklin
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The cardinal eventually took off on his own, but I can imagine this just might be nature's little way of saying "thank you!"  And a big thank you to Sandi for saving the cardinal and allowing me to share this special moment here!

 

LOOK: Stunning animal photos from around the world

From grazing Tibetan antelope to migrating monarch butterflies, these 50 photos of wildlife around the world capture the staggering grace of the animal kingdom. The forthcoming gallery runs sequentially from air to land to water, and focuses on birds, land mammals, aquatic life, and insects as they work in pairs or groups, or sometimes all on their own.

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