Thursday, March 5, 2009

A Flash of Red

(this photo may be enlarged by clicking on it)


Just after sundown a few days ago, but while it was not yet quite dark, a flock of fourteen Cardinals descended upon the peach tree in my daughter's back yard. There was no way I could photograph them through the window, nor could I exit the house by the door which opens into the yard; too close -- they would fly away. So I took my camera and went out by a front door and walked around the house and quietly and slowly onto the carport where I hoped I could get a few shots. The photo above, which shows several birds, is as good as I could get in the extant light with my still limited photographic ability. The one below is, I fear, not much of an improvement, but is a better example of the glorious red of the Cardinal's plumage.


Methinks I need to take camera and tripod and just camp out in my daughter's yard for a few hours on a brighter day.

16 comments:

Richard Lawry said...

I still remember the thrill I felt seeing Cardinals when I first moved to Arkansas. They are still a pleasure to see.

An Arkies Musings

George said...

I think you did a very good job of capturing the cardinals. Your second picture is very good. We've found that the early evening is the best time to find cardinals around our feeders.

Sandi McBride said...

absolutely my favorite site in the world is my big cedar tree filled with Cardinals! My idea of heaven...
thanks for sharing!
Sandi

Arkansas Patti said...

Nice shots!!! Aren't they beautiful? They really know how to decorate a tree.

Jinksy said...

No wonder painters talk of Cardinal Red...

Snap said...

What a treat! Pure Magic! Thank you!

Hilary said...

The Cardinals are amazing, aren't they. I love the muted colours of the females and the vibrant shades of the male. Great job.

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Pat, Look at all of those male Cardinals. Where are their lady friends??? It's mating season... Can't mate without the ladies!!!!!

As George said, our Cardinals are always the first at the feeders in the morning--and the last there at nights.

Great pictures.
Hugs,
Betsy

Huzhar said...

For me both of your captures are good. The pictures are clear and the cardinals are in focus. Good job Pat! I like those red cardinals, their red color is outstanding..

Louise said...

This is where I'm green with envy! I miss cardinals. And when I'm back in Missouri, it's summer, and they do NOT want to be photographed. And NEVER so many in one place!

Suldog said...

We get some cardinals in our backyard from time to time. I especially like spotting the females, since they are more brownish than red.

Anonymous said...

Oh my gosh..we have one pair and a poor lone male..so please send a female....

Jeannelle said...

Amazing scenes! I have never seen more than one red cardinal at a time.

JC said...

Beautiful Cardinals and great Skywatch pic. Like you I love seeing the moon in the daytime.

rhymeswithplague said...

A mated pair of cardinals used to come frequently to our feeder at our previous house. The male was quite the gentleman and would let his lady eat first while he stood guard. Only then would he partake.

Since moving thirty miles to the north five years ago, I have not seen one single cardinal.

TR Ryan said...

That top photo is priceless. A work of art!