Do you prefer the bold color of the iconic male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) to the more subtle coloration of the female cardinal or are you on the fence?
“Fierce” is the word that came to mind when I first saw the image I had shot of this female cardinal with the spiky red Mohawk hairstyle and don’t-mess-with-me glare. Although I took this photo at my local marshland park, the simple wire fence gives it a kind of urban feel that seems appropriate for this subject.
I wonder if she has body piercings or a tattoo—it wouldn’t surprise me if she does.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
So beautiful, Mike!!
Wonderful photograph.
Thanks, Victor. It was a shot I took from a pretty long distance, but I was happy that I was able to capture some of the personality of this beautiful bird.
She is pretty scary! Amelia
My first thought was “scrappy” ~ looks like she’d win in a tussle. You captured her perfectly. Love the glare!
Thanks. I was a pretty good distance away, so I am not sure if she was glaring at me–I hope not!
I’d like to see either one but being colorblind, the red male would be a real treat. She’s got quite a hairdo and an attitude that tells me that she’s a survivor.
Ha this is a great specimen no matter what her mate looks like. Great shot also!
Thanks–definitely a great specimen (and I’ll probably be posting a photo of her mate today).
Great stot, Mike. I am lucky to see both here in Missouri and love each for their differences. Noting like the splash of bright red far off in the distance of the forest trees, however. Beautiful birds.
She looks very feisty
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