I have often wondered about the color differences of a female and a male cardinal. He’s so very flashy and red, he has that black mask and intense expression, he’s showy and casts an air of bravado – she does not. She practically blends into the background. Maybe it’s the lack of eyeliner, but she has a sweet face that seems mostly serene and happy. She almost disappears at times…
If I hold very still, no one will spot me…
Except for this ridiculous orange beak, I’m nearly invisible…
I see that the human has placed some fruit and sunflower seeds on that platter – so so tempting…
But if I move a muscle then she might spot me…
Even so, what harm could it do? I’m pretty hungry…
Dang – she’s already got eyes on me, still I’m staying put. I wonder if she delivers.
the eff stop 
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Lovely photos. One of my favorite birds. My kids pointed one out in our yard just this morning!
They are beautiful little snobs. Actually I’m fortunate to have several pairs in my woods.
Hilarious! I love the subtitles….
Thank you!!
Lovely photos .. I have often wondered if the female is so coloured to disguise herself when sitting on the nest… the male I’m sure is for attracting a mate and protecting his domain… but then who knows what nature is up to…
I’m sure you are right about that – the red gives off such an attitude though. Thanks Bulldog!
Plumage has always fascinated me and you capture my attention with your images.
Thanks so much! There are definitely more fascinating feathers than those a female cardinal has, but it camouflages nicely.
She is adorable!
She is – even if she is playing coy…
Well do you? …deliver that is… 🙂
I do, but not to the crepe myrtle
You should deliver!
I really should, it’s so difficult for them to flap their tiny wings to cover the 20 feet from the myrtle to the feeder. I have been so thoughtless… 🙂
🙂
By the way, congrats on being Freshly Pressed again (just noticed). You are becoming a Freshly Pressed machine!
Thanks – so funny how a post that you write in a few minutes gets their attention.
Probably falls into that life is not fair category on the positive side. It’s impressive that you wrote it in a few minutes since I thot it was good.
It’s good that there is a positive side every now and again. I’m glad it passed muster 🙂
Lovely photos 🙂
Thank you!
You know what they say, a little lipstick goes a long way! 😉 Very nice photos.
Ain’t it the truth – thank you!
I like that little hint of red in her punk hair-do, too.
Just a touch of punk – and that crazy lipstick 🙂
I’m pretty sure female cardinals are perennial teens.
I think you are right 🙂
I believe also the female is less flashy so the predators will not spot her and her nest easily. The male will draw them away with his flash and dash. Great pictures though Lorri. 🙂
Thanks – I’m sure the camo is the reason for her color – his seems to make him so obvious though. In the right light she does very nearly disappear.
One theory is that the male’s flamboyant red coat announces his presence to other males and may also work to reduce the fighting associated with acquiring and defending a high-quality territory. It is also thought that brightly-colored males have a better chance of attracting a mate. Very little is carved in stone about birds, but it’s food for thought. Lovely pictures.
That theory sounds plausible – Maybe it’s just me, but their demeanor seems different. The females were the first to visit the feeders and calmer when there. The males took a very long time to warm up to the idea of eating on my porch.
She is one big mama!
Maybe she’s with egg…
Sure looks like it. I think that must be why mama wears cammo.
If only she would tone down the lipstick
wow! beautiful photo!
Thank you!
sweet 😉
🙂