Field Notes: NORTHERN CARDINAL
Male Northern Cardinal in drizzly rain
The Northern Cardinal is a very common species, often appearing at bird feeders in back yards. Yet, despite being common Cardinals are very striking, beautiful birds that are always a pleasure to watch and photograph. I have not photographed them nearly enough.
Male Northern Cardinals are more colorful and brighter red than the female. The female is more brown, with red accents. Cardinals have a distinctive crest that can be raised higher when they are stressed, such as when fighting with other birds for a spot at a bird feeder.
The two photos of male cardinals were made in a nature park on a drizzly day. The rain can be seen most easily in the top-most photo, along with some drops of water on the berries. The second photo was made several hours later after the rain had stopped.
Female Northern Cardinal
Male Northern Cardinal