Riding out the storm… literally.
We are in the midst of spring/early summer storms, and it appears that for most of the nation, April showers have been carried into May, which means that we should have some stellar flowers by June if the old wives’ tale holds true.
I know that in my neck of the woods, it has been a rainy and gloomy month with lots of heavy thunderstorms. I’m personally beyond over it and am ready for bright sunny, summer days, but I can at least cozy up inside to weather the storms, unlike wildlife. Birds, squirrels, and more have had to brave these storms by finding shelter and hoping the worst passes and that their families remain safe.
But some animals like to live life on the edge and choose to face these severe weather lines head-on, like grabbing the bull by the horns, if you will. One brave cardinal is currently going viral for this approach as a massive storm blew in. A TikToker, @ashmarie_22, captured a stunning red cardinal sitting in her trees, riding the waves of wind gusts from a forthcoming storm.
The cardinal picked a rather flimsy branch, causing it to sway greatly in the wind. Instead of flying to a more sturdy position in the tree, the bird chose to ride out the waves, literally, hanging onto the branch like it wasn’t flapping around in the wind.
For how much movement the branch has, it’s honestly very impressive that the cardinal appears to keep perfect balance.
The user who shared the video put it to Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” creating a true piece of cinema. Check it out:
@ashmarie_22 This guys determination is unmatched 😂 #cardinal #grandpa #wind #storm ♬ Free Bird – Lynyrd Skynyrd
It did not take long for the comments section to fill up with movie references and memes of what this cardinal reminded them of.
“It’s giving Lieutenant Dan.”
“Cardinal: YOU CALL THIS A STORM??”
“No one is paying attention to the Robin bird down below, who’s like ‘why u gotta be SO dramatic!'”
“Who’s relative is that. They’ve got stories.”
“The song is perfect.”
“Me holding on to my last nerve.”
“bro got turbulence.”
“Hold on, little guy.”
@ashmarie_22 shared that, after the storm, the cardinal survived the high winds and appeared happier than ever in her yard. This bird likes living life on the edge…
@ashmarie_22 I think he likes it here 🤭❤️ #cardinal #lieutenantdan #eminem #hesback #survivor ♬ som original – clovmsc
