If you watch your backyard feeders really early in the morning, or late in the day…it can be almost dark, and you’ll often see Cardinals feeding at that time. 

I also see them more during overcast days with snow flurries and such…which makes me think they feel safer then.

When you’re a bright red bird, you could be a lot easier to spot by predators…so maybe this early and late dining approach is their answer to that.