We don't have cardinals out here. I have only seen one in my entire life and that was when we were back in Williamsburg, Virginia a couple years ago. They are such pretty birds. I don't understand why they don't live out here. We don't have lightening bugs either. :-(
Of course, you know that, you've lived out here.
I had birds in California that I never see here..Orioles for instance.
I just lucked on this photo and love it!
I have cardinals raise their young nearby so I see cardinals several times a day usually.