The coloration of female Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis) is not as bold and flashy as their male counterparts, but I think they are equally beautiful, like this one that I photographed recently at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
I do love bright colors—I drive an Ignition Orange KIA Soul—but I think there is something more refined and sophisticated when those colors are used in moderation as accents. That is why I really like the way a female cardinal has reddish streaks in her crown and on the outer portions of her wings.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Beautiful!
Thanks, Michelle.
Lovely, Mike.
Thanks, Jet.
I really enjoyed the way you phrased it this, Mike. You’ve captured this female cardinal and her subtle beauty with a marvelous photo.
Beautiful.
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