Carolyn Quick, who lives between Ely and Tower, shared this gorgeous picture taken Thursday of a female cardinal feeding outside the window:

Carolyn says cardinals are rarely seen up where they live. (October snow is not so rare, methinks.)
I believe that’s a pine siskin in the background.
Your bird stories and pictures eagerly received at: jlundy@duluthnews.com.
Cardinals have been seen in Ely for several years- not many, but they are around.
I am trying to attract cardinals (near Hawley MN) but so far no good fortune.