I thought I'd try to get a jump on the paper piece this month, since the back third of December is always bonkers for me, but especially this year.
I grew up in Ohio, near Cleveland, and the state bird is the cardinal. Wintertime always makes me think of vivid red cardinals against a snowy landscape, and they always look like such handsome, thoughtful little birds. Maybe their dapper plumage would remind Aziraphale of his best friend.
I'll finish this as soon as I can and draw the name of one of my Lucky Cats or Nazars to send the original to! If you'd like a chance to have this and you're not already, you can always up your pledge before I draw the name. (I'll post the finished piece before I do that.)