This cache is part of the Auburn Hills Recreation Geocache Challenge. These caches are for the various animals that you may encounter in Michigan. Find the missing word at each cache and fill it in to the geocache decoder found at the end of the Auburn Hills Park Adventure Journal. Turn your completed book into the Auburn Hills Community Center for a fun prize! Please respect all park rules & regulations and please replace all caches as you found them. Thank You and have fun Geocaching!
(LAUNCHING SUMMER 2026) AUBURN HILLS GEOCACHING CHALLENGE DECODER
Mated pairs of cardinals sometimes sing together before nesting and during courtship, the male feeds __________ to the female beak-to-beak.
Fun Fact: Cardinals stay in Michigan all winter long! Take a look for the males bright red feathers against the white snow.
Common Name: North American Cardinal
Scientific Name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Size: Body length of 8.3–9.3; Wingspan of 9.8–12.2 in
Range, Habitat, & Physical Description:
The North American Cardinal is a mid-sized songbird found in southern Canada, through the eastern United States and south through Mexico. The adult male is a brilliant crimson red color with a black face mask over the eyes, extending to the upper chest. The female is mostly grayish-brown with a slight reddish tint on the wings, the crest, and the tail feathers. Both sexes possess prominent raised crests and bright coral-colored beaks, which are cone-shaped and strong. It is found in woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and swamps.
Relationship With Humans, Conservation Status, & How YOU Can Help Them:
Cardinals are culturally important to many indigenous groups, including the Cherokee people who believe they are the carriers of news, both good and bad. Due to its striking colors, it has often been the subject in numerus art pieces. Many sports teams use the cardinal as a mascot including the St. Louis Cardinals (MLB) and the Arizona Cardinals (NFL). You can help cardinals by putting up anti-bird strike stickers on large windows and bird feeders or by not letting your pet cat outside unattended.