After I shared images of an immature Tufted Titmouse yesterday, I realized I hadn’t yet shared photos of this young Northern Cardinal, taken earlier in July.

Young Northern Cardinal close up, Sebastian County, ArkansasYoung Northern Cardinal close up – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 1600, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The date was July 3rd. The light wasn’t the best, but when I had this hatch year Northern Cardinal in my viewfinder, I did my best to photograph the young bird.

Early in the morning, the immature cardinal was close enough for me to take a few portraits. If you have followed me for any length of time, you know I love to take portraits when I can, as long as I am not making my subject uneasy or uncomfortable.

This cardinal didn’t seem ill at ease with me sitting on Steve Creek’s deck. At all.

Immature Northern Cardinal at a birdbath, Sebastian County, ArkansasImmature Northern Cardinal at a birdbath – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/400, ISO 1600, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

The young cardinal showed up at the seed feeder and birdbath several times that morning. I was hoping to get photos of this Northern Cardinal bathing, but it just came to the birdbath to get a sip of water before it flew off.

That morning was very birdy in Steve’s yard, and with the other birds flying in and out, I believe the immature cardinal wanted a little less bird activity to bathe.

Young Northern Cardinal in morning light, Sebastian County, ArkansasYoung Northern Cardinal in morning light – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/6400, ISO 1600, -0.7 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light

I like this last photo because it looks like she or he was trying to figure me out. Or perhaps the crested youngster was curious about my big lens. Whatever the reason for this gaze, I appreciated having the young cardinal in my viewfinder for a while.

Life is good.

Mia

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