And for good reason. The cardinal’s red plumage derives from carotenoids in seeds and fruits. The richer its red feathers, the more attractive the bird is as a breeding partner.

Researchers said the cardinal proceeded to glean from the web, pecking at discarded insect carcasses while still perched on the top strands – a behavior that lasted for about two minutes.

This brings me to my favorite fine-feathered friend, the northern cardinal. I have named him “Stan the Man,” for the greatest Cardinal (other than those who have gone on to be Pope).

At first, Schronce thought the bird had somehow become entangled in the web, but soon witnessed the cardinal lunge at the web’s owner—a yellow-and-black Joro spider.