Cardinals in the heat

In the Washington D.C. area, we are under an heat advisory. However, everyone I have talked to has seen cardinals. While walking home, I saw a pair - the bright red male and the duller female. I have wondered why everyone is seeing cardinals.

Cardinals are bold, territorial birds. I wonder if they are telling us to mind our homes and gardens. I usually see them in the winter, therefore seeing them in the summer is unusual for me. Perhaps, I need to be bold in what I do.