Moulting Female Cardinal by gardencat

Moulting Female Cardinal

Not the angle I'd usually try to take a shot of a bird from, but I thought I'd post this one because it shows that this cardinal is near the end of her moult ,with just a few little pin feathers left on the back of her head and neck. Hopefully she should be looking spiffy again pretty soon.
That's quite fascinating to see close up, Joanne! She has herself a peanut too!
September 29th, 2024  
Great capture, Joanne! We have cardinals come to our feeders but I've never seen one with a peanut. Seems like the bluejays take them all.
September 30th, 2024  
@365projectorgheatherb @lynnz The cardinals love peanuts too but the jays are bigger and they’re bullies so when they are around the cardinals can’t get the peanuts. If I see a cardinal around when the jays aren’t I try to make sure they get some.
September 30th, 2024  
Beautiful grown out feathers. The peanut looks like it has replaced her beak.
September 30th, 2024  
Great capture
September 30th, 2024  
oh she really is in the middle of that moult - I love it
September 30th, 2024  
Nice capture!
September 30th, 2024  
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