Northern Cardinals tend to zip on their way as soon as I spot them. This one stayed put for several minutes while I took some shots.
I wandered away, then back again a few minutes later and he was in the same spot. Based on the duller color and that behavior, I wonder if it is a young male, still figuring life out.
Cypress Wetlands, Port Royal, SC
April 14, 2026
That is a gorgeous composition, Ellen! Adult cardinals all have the classic red beak and are full adults in one year, so this would be a female. The immatures have dark beaks and would look pretty scruffy at two months old (I’m assuming you took this photo recently and they hatch in your area in February/March). Hope you don’t mind me saying, ‘cuz she is a beauty!! ❤️
Thanks, Donna! No, I don’t mind at all. My first thought was female, but the feather color just seemed off; I hadn’t considered the beak color. And that she sat right there for so long. Yes, this was last week so not possible it could be this spring’s hatchling.
She is a beauty! 😊
Wow, great shot.
Thank you!
😁