The males usually eat first, scope the place out. Before they eat, the males often fly to vantage points all around the property, taking a look. They go from this tree...to that tree...then, after they get a good look, they go down to the feeder.
They are very cautious, except when there is another male around, and they can get quite reckless.
Then, when when the male eats, the female appears close by, then she eats, and he watches. He will sometimes get something, fly over to her, and give it to her.
I love Cardinals. Just about everything about them is good.
Blue Jays, on the other hand, as another Freeper once said: “I never knew a Blue Jay that wasn’t an a**hole!”
I get along with the blue jays pretty good..
I have a small balcony with a 6 foot long railing...I’ve been leaning on the balcony chatting with a neighbor and the neighbor would say...don’t look now but there’s a bird right next to your arm ( elbow). I’d glance over and say..oh it’s only him...he wants a peanut (in the shell)....making my neighbor laugh like hellm.*smiles”)*
Jays are excellent fielders...catch better then most...I get a kick out of watching them squat just like a dog does as he knows when your getting ready to throw...*smiles*
Cards are very good catchers( single peanuts)...