Cardinals are essentially red but their feathers are glossy and reflect the ambient light so at times, the red appears in shades and tints. But because we rarely see them at close range, we tend not to "see" the black and even pale purple areas of their bodies.
These are as usual, beautiful pictures A Mac. I couldn't help to start laughing when Raven Wing said, "I've never seen an orange Cardinal before." Thanks Raven, I needed that. Yes, he is quite orange, but it seems they vary from that orange to red color with some I've seen with a grayish bill instead of the orange one this one seems to have.
It's always great to see photos of birds that I used to watch for so many years but have not seen for more than seven, but it's even greater to see A.Mac's photography skills.
I don't get to see a lot of birds here, besides the fact that there doesn't seem to be much variety. I'm in a city now so it's less likely that I will be able to take photos of any interesting birds. However, here are a couple photos for you:
Wonderful shots Mac! I have been reading all the comments and I am kind of surprised at how orange the Cardinal is. Our's are more red. But what the heck! The little guy seems ready for the shot and looks very handsome!
Two factors affected the color shift; sunlight filtered through orange-colored, translucent Beech leaves on the trees above the scene and a reflection of light reflected upward from the feeder below the bird.
Click each pic for the best look.
Really great photos Mac. I'm sitting here looking at a Cardinal sitting on our front porch railing.
How cool, looking at one in a photo and another just a few feet away on the porch.
Cardinals are essentially red but their feathers are glossy and reflect the ambient light so at times, the red appears in shades and tints. But because we rarely see them at close range, we tend not to "see" the black and even pale purple areas of their bodies.
If you see a sparrow and a goldfinch in the next few minutes, that will be fascinating.
These are as usual, beautiful pictures A Mac. I couldn't help to start laughing when Raven Wing said, "I've never seen an orange Cardinal before." Thanks Raven, I needed that. Yes, he is quite orange, but it seems they vary from that orange to red color with some I've seen with a grayish bill instead of the orange one this one seems to have.
It's always great to see photos of birds that I used to watch for so many years but have not seen for more than seven, but it's even greater to see A.Mac's photography skills.
Why don't you take a couple of pictures Buzz of some of the birds in China and put on here?
Thank you A Mac for all the photography you put on this site.
I don't get to see a lot of birds here, besides the fact that there doesn't seem to be much variety. I'm in a city now so it's less likely that I will be able to take photos of any interesting birds. However, here are a couple photos for you:
I thought it was a Magpie.
Just curious. Was the Catholic personage named after the bird or was the bird named after the Catholic personage?
Buzz,
I think the black and white fellow is a Magpie.
Sixpick,
Always appreciate your input and kind words.
I believe the Creator made the birds before He made the Creationists.
Genesis would be my source on that.
Wonderful shots Mac! I have been reading all the comments and I am kind of surprised at how orange the Cardinal is. Our's are more red. But what the heck! The little guy seems ready for the shot and looks very handsome!
Two factors affected the color shift; sunlight filtered through orange-colored, translucent Beech leaves on the trees above the scene and a reflection of light reflected upward from the feeder below the bird.
Gorgeous birds as usual AMac!
I get so excited every time I hear the beautiful red cardinal that I run to the window to catch a glimpse!
Thanks krounded. Tomorrow I'm headed to a wildlife area and hope to get some good bird photos -- hoping, hoping