Simple in composition and simple in color palette, I find something really appealing about this photo of a male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis).
The backdrop is made up of the gray composite elements of the boardwalk that wends its way through the marshland area of Huntley Meadows Park in Alexandria, VA. The gray “wood,” with its horizontal and diagonal lines helps to give a little structure to the image.
The cardinal cooperated by cocking his head in an interesting way and giving me a sidewards glance. I believe that the red berry-like fruits are rose hips. The cardinals seem to enjoy eating the inside part of the fruit, but seem to discard most of its flesh. Several areas of the board walk are littered with these red remains.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved
Mike Powell 
Good catch.
Thanks, Seth. By the way, I very much enjoy the stories and photos of your adventures with Todd.
Thanks Mike. Glad to hear.
Rose hips have seeds in them, so that is most likely what he’s after.
I am green with envy.. beautiful!
The gray in his feathers matches the gray of the boardwalk perfectly. Interesting photo, Mike!