Buddy, my cardinal friend, was in fine form today. He is a handsome fella. I guess you can say a blanket or a coffee cup or some other beloved object is your friend, but really? I think to be friends both need to recognize each other. I recognize Buddy, and he recognizes me. He knows I put the seed in his saucer. He waits for me and flies a few feet away and then comes back when I back up a bit. To me, he is a friend.