Although I really like the bright red color of the male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis), there is something even more special about the subtle beauty of a female cardinal, like this one that I spotted last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. The muted colors of this bird seem particularly appropriate for autumn in this area. The changing foliage here rarely has the brilliant yellows and reds found in other parts of the country, but transitions to paler shades before the leaves all fall to the ground.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
She’s so pretty.
Blue Rock Horses Frederick County, Virginia bluerockhorses.com
Thanks, Mitzy.
Her subtle shades are extremely becoming. Gorgeous.
Thanks, Michael. Judging from your images, you seem to be a big fan of subtle shades more than bright, in-your-face colors.
That’s right Michael. That’s me.
🙂
I agree!
Thanks, Louella.
She’s gorgeous, and it looks like she got a fresh ‘do.
Thanks, Gary. As for the ‘do, she certainly did not borrow a comb or brush from me–I not longer possess any of them, except for a small mustache comb.
Great portrait! We have had parents and baby cardinal at the feeder! That baby makes a racket begging for food! MORE food!!
Baby birds as they are growing can be so demanding. 🙂