A Northern Cardinal balances on a rock, its feathers in mid-molt giving it a patchy, roughened look. The raised crest and tilted head add a bit of character to the pose.

I took this photo in my yard in Arkansas, where the bird paused long enough for me to catch the details of its changing plumage. The simple background helps highlight its form.

Molting is a natural process cardinals go through each year. Though they look a little worn during this stage, it’s a necessary step toward fresh feathers and brighter coloring.

Parrot

National Balloon Classic 2008

Indianola, IA

July 2008

(from my archives)

#unik

but he still manages his life just fine ~ You don't need legs.....to fly! ~ Red-winged Blackbird ~

Florida Wetlands

www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-winged_Blackbird/id

red feather

Parrot shot in Mexico using Canon 20D and 70-200 F2.8 Lens

photo from the shoot of the 1-minute video 'Dowdy Lake (Red Feather Lakes) – In A Colorado Minute (Week 174)"

Watch the video and read more about Dowdy Lake: movingpostcard.com/dowdy-lake-colorado/

photo from the shoot of the 1-minute video 'Dowdy Lake (Red Feather Lakes) – In A Colorado Minute (Week 174)"

Watch the video and read more about Dowdy Lake: movingpostcard.com/dowdy-lake-colorado/

Don's a hereditary chief but he will eat blue Gogurt with you.

On the 7th of February, I sat out for about an hour garthering these 5 photos. I was rather pleased with how they turned out, considering it was rather windy.

Laramie, WYs Light pollution can be seen on the bottom Left of the frame. The much larger bright spot on the right, is the light pollution from Fort Collins, CO.

This was a 64 Second Exposure.