Portrait of a Northern Cardinal

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I could have called this post Portrait of a Northern Cardinal as it Hunts-n-Pecks, but that seemed a tad wordy.

I observed this handsome male and his equally lovely–though less brilliantly colored–mate, as they hunted for fallen sunflower and safflower seeds from overhanging feeders. Ms. Cardinal was flitty and stayed mostly in some nearby greenery, difficult to observe and impossible to photograph.

However, Mr. Gorgeous, no matter which way he turned, was out for all to admire.

Are you looking at me? Here’s my good side! I’m a pretty, pretty bird!

The hunt provided many-a-morsel of safflower!

There are two pairs of Northern Cardinals in this part of my neighborhood. This pair are regulars who dine at Chez Mygardenersays. I don’t see the other two Cardinals often and not at all during this spring breeding season. The male of that pair shows a slightly more ‘cardinal’ color and that’s how I tell the males apart. I’m not sure where the other couple settled for breeding season, but it’s likely somewhere in the neighborhood. I hope both couples are successful in their chick rearing; the world is a better place with more Northern Cardinals.

Hunt-n-peck all you want, beautiful birds–and thanks for adding your grace to my garden.

8 thoughts on “Portrait of a Northern Cardinal”

  2. I’ve lost my pair now that I’ve taken down my feeders, but a sudden rat infestation took place, and I decided it was better to take them down, let the birds and squirrels go elsewhere, and then call in the exterminators. Once a single, occasional appearance turned into a daily parade, it was time to do something! That said, their young had fledged, so they’ll adjust. I’m hoping by fall I’ll be able to put new feeders up and tempt them back.

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    • Oh, bummer about the rat situation. I hope your exterminators don’t use rat bait stations as those poisons also impact the predators. I’m glad your cardinals produced a family!

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  4. Oh wow–I hope he/she was able to see one? I forget that they’re not everywhere as they’re so common here. They are remarkably beautiful birds and so fun to watch with one another.

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