I live in Southern California, we don't get Northern Cardinals here. When I travel to the east coast I'm always very hopeful and excited at the chance to see Northern Cardinals (and Blue Jays).
When I was in Baltimore I had to stalk these guys to get a photo. I finally did manage to get a few ok shots. Three weeks later I'm in New York and walk out my hotel door and BINGO there was a very cooperative male cardinal.
Too bad I couldn't get the Blue Jays to cooperate with me. :(