Several weeks ago, I shared images of a young male cardinal. Today, I thought it was about time to put an immature female Northern Cardinal in the spotlight.
Immature female Northern Cardinal– Canon R7, f8, 1/2000, ISO 800, Canon 100-400mm at 400mm, natural light
I took photos of this immature female cardinal four days ago. She came to the sunflower seed feeder and perched above it on a vine.
I know she isn’t a young male because, by now, the young males have some red feathers on their heads, necks, bellies, or flanks. She doesn’t have red feathers in those areas.
Her bill is starting to change from the dark gray it was when she was younger—hints of orange are already showing on her bill.
Female cardinals, whether young or adult, are not as flashy and bright as the males of this species. That is a fact. But I find them to be every bit as appealing as the males and just as much fun to photograph. I simply can’t imagine getting bored with them as subjects.
To be clear, I don’t get bored with any birds as subjects, even the abundant species. Do I enjoy photographing species that are new to me? You bet I do. I love them all.
It might sound weird, given that most birds are flighted, but birds ground me. By that, I mean no matter what craziness is going on in my life or this country, birds center me, they make me focus on them, and they bring me peace.
I went a long time without seeing or photographing Northern Cardinals, and I’m delighted to have them in my viewfinder now. Hearing the cardinals is also wonderful.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Cardinal photos plus facts and information about this species.
Wonderful and informative narrative to go along with this terrific shot. Thanks Mia.
I was expecting more red before I opened your post. She is a lovely bird, her duller colors are intriguing. And she probably knows it..thx Mia
I know exactly what you mean about birds grounding you. Though how I wish I could fly.