Male Northern Cardinal Photos From Arkansas

Hello from my friend Steve Creek’s amazing bird-filled yard in Arkansas, where I photographed this striking male Northern Cardinal from his deck yesterday.

Male Northern Cardinal in an Arkansas oak tree in spring – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 800, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

It was not easy getting photos yesterday because the wind was blowing with gale-force winds but we photographed from the deck anyway. The sun was shining and after a cold start to the day, the birds began to come into the feeders about 10 am. The light was lovely.

The birds were lovelier for me because I was seeing, hearing, and photographing eastern birds once again.

Northern Cardinal male in Arkansas – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 800, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I’ve missed seeing and hearing Northern Cardinals. The males and their scarlet-colored feathers always make me smile, and even though the females aren’t as colorful, I love their more subtle plumage.

I was busy looking at all the nearby birds. Steve saw this male come in before I did, and he suggested that I photograph the cardinal in the oak tree because they look great against the new oak leaves. He is correct about that, as my images clearly show.

Saucy male Northern Cardinal in Arkansas – Nikon D500, f8, 1/640, ISO 800, +0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I had a blast photographing this male cardinal as he hung onto the oak branch in the strong winds. The wind sure made his crest stand up and out.

I love these birds, and it’s great seeing them again after almost ten months. I suspect I will be sharing more of these cardinals and other birds very soon. I took a bunch of photos yesterday!

Life is good.

Mia

Click here to see more of my Northern Cardinal photos plus facts and information about this species.