We have had a couple of cardinals in our backyard the last few days. They had a nest last year in one of our lilac bushes. They normally don't come back to the same nest each year. Will have to be careful and see if I can find a new one.
My wife is one that says that seeing a cardinal in your yard is a sign from a loved one that has passed on.
I've never heard that before, but if true then we'd have no relatives left at all. Daily basis we have a couple pairs of cardinals at our place. Last year one day we had SEVEN males at the feeder and co-located crab tree. Not exactly sure where they nest but must be close because they are omnipresent.
We also regularly have chickadees, junkos, the little reddish finches, nut hatches, mourning doves, and of course sparrows out the wazoo. And typically 1-3 woodpeckers, they love our derecho damaged maples. This year its a red-headed one, with the super white bottom half. Very pretty.
Owls too, though only have seen him once or twice in 3 years. But you hear him in the early morning hours if you are out there.
edit - forgot the turkeys. 7 of them this morning, chasing themselves around. Morons.