The cheerful songs and whistles of the Northern Cardinal are some of the first sounds of spring. A special structure in the throat produces the birds' sweeping notes, and both males and females sing. Join sound recordist Greg Budney and learn more in our Video of the Week. | Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Do you know what causes hail like this, North Carolina? It's caused by powerful updrafts in a thunderstorm that carry rain up into the colder parts of the atmosphere, freezing them. This footage comes from a hailstorm that hit Raleigh Monday as the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a severe thunderstorm warning in the area. For more North Carolina news and culture, follow @cardinalandpine! | Cardinal & Pine