A Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) that I spotted on Saturday at Huntley Meadows Park seemed to be in an awkward feather phase that gave him an almost clown-like appearance.
I suspect that the cardinal feels as self-conscious as the average human male going through puberty.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Wonderful. I have an adult male hanging around right now who’s in full molt, and my goodness, he’s a mess. Clown-like is just the right description.
The bird is absolutely stunning.
Thanks. This cardinal definitely has a distinctive look.
Looks like he just took a bath somewhere and hasn’t done the “fluff out” phase yet. You know, when they shake themselves like a Gold Retriever and everything falls back into place.
Wish that worked with my coiffure.
I have a nest nearby – my yard & feeders seem like a 3 ring circus! They are so much fun to watch
Carol
He’s probably okay so long as he doesn’t catch a glimpse of himself in some mirror surface. On the other hand, most of his friends are probably in a similar state and they can all stand around making fun of each other in turn.
They can look quite scruffy at this time!
Great portrait and well spotted and captured. He is a rather scruffy and strange looking fellow but rather appealing because of it.