Cardinal

I have always thought about making one of these. Now I have! This one is little. (just right to hang on the tree or set within its branches)

Head:
Rnd 1: sc 4 in a circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (8)
Rnd 3: sc around (8)
Rnd 4: 2 sc in next sc 7 (9)
Rnd 5: sc 8 then 2 sc in next sc (10)
Rnd 6: 2 sc in next sc, sc 9 (11)
Rnd 7: sc 12, 2 sc in next sc (12)
Rnd 8: switch to black, sc 6, switch to red, sc 6 (12)
Rnd 9: sc 1, switch to black, sc 4, switch to red, sc 7 (12)
cut thread, leave tail to sew to body
I did a few stitches in the crest of the head to make it curve a little bit.

Body:
Rnd 1: sc 6 in a circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around (12)
Rnd 3: *sc 1, sc 2 in next sc* repeat around (18)
Rnd 4: *sc 2, sc 2 in next sc* repeat around (24)
Rnd 5-7: sc around (24)
Rnd 8: sc 1 in front loop, ch 8, sl st in 2nd ch from hook, sc 1, dc 5, sl st in original front loop, sc 23 (24)
Rnd 9: *sc 2, decrease* repeat around (18)
Rnd 10: *sc 1, decrease* repeat around (12)
Rnd 11: decrease around (6)
Cut thread and weave through to close up hole.
Fold tail in half and sew together two sides.

Wings: (make 2)
Rnd 1: 5 sc in a circle
Rnd 2: 2 sc in each sc around
Rnd 3: dc 3, sc 1, sl st 5. Cut thread leave a tail to sew to body.

Put eyes in head. Sew the head to the body. Sew the wings on. Then make the beak.

Beak:
I tried to make a bunch of beaks and they were all too big, so instead I used orange yarn and wove it in over and over through the face until it was beak-like. Experiment until you get the perfect beak for your bird.

This is what the body looks like with the tail unfolded (I haven't finished the last round or stuffed or sewed it up yet in these photos)

And the tail folded