I’ve been wanting to share a few more of the male Northern Cardinal photos I took from my friend Steve Creek’s deck in his very birdy yard and garden. Today is the day.
Male Northern Cardinal heading to a seed feeder – Nikon D500, f7.1, 1/800, ISO 1250, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
The male Northern Cardinals delighted me because of their crimson-colored plumage, and the fact that I didn’t see this species at all in northern Utah.
My mom loved these cardinals; she called them “red birds” for as long as I can remember. They were a favorite of her mother too; my grandmother painted them on fine china at times. These birds awaken a lot of wonderful memories for me.
Northern Cardinal male perched in an oak tree – Nikon D500, f8 1/640, ISO 2000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Listening to the cardinals’ calls, watching them move through the trees, and photographing them brought me joy again.
I especially liked it when they would perch in Steve’s oak tree. The rich green foliage against their bright red plumage sure looked wonderful to me.
Male Northern Cardinal close up in Arkansas – Nikon D500, f8 1/400, ISO 2000, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
Plus, I had a few opportunities to take close-up images of the cardinals. That excited me—to be able to capture all the fine details of their heads and faces.
Northern Cardinal male with a dark background – Nikon D500, f8 1/640, ISO 640, -0.3 EV, Nikkor 500mm VR with 1.4x TC, natural light
In addition to gazing at these beautiful birds I was also able to take their photos in varying lighting conditions. What’s not to like about that?
The dark background in this cardinal image sure helps to make an already standout bird even more visually pleasing.
Life is good.
Mia
Click here to see more of my Northern Cardinal photos plus facts and information about this species.
I am glad you turned the comments on. The first time I visited this post they were off. This is a stunning bird – but then they all are.
Beautiful photos again of a stunning bird! I’ve only seen them once in Virginia about 30 years ago!
I am with you Mia on feelings for the red birds. Mother was from Missouri and she too loved them. Only saw a few when we would go back to visit every couple of years. Never have them in Wyoming either. They too make a sweet little sound. I heard one at my Aunts home when I was visiting about 9 years ago, but never did see him in the trees.
These are extraordinary Mia! I get them in my yard and trees off the back porch where we would sit. Once a pair were feeding their fledgling in the bushes. So sweet!