It does look to be molting for sure. I was wondering if it might be a juvenile that is getting its first all-red male coat. Because I think all the juveniles are brownish looking and then the males turn to red when they mature. The females remain a golden brown colour with a red blush on their chest. I’m not sure though since this guy’s beak is already orange, which usually only happens when they are older.
My first thought was it's a juvenile but molting is also a distinct possibility. Either way you captured his inquisitiveness...very cute! I wonder if Cardinals eat grapes?
@gardencat@bluemoon At first I thought this was a juvenile too, because he was very small. I found pictures of juveniles whose feathers looked like these, but the way there are no feathers around his beak, that looks more like pictures of molting. Thanks for your great comments.
