Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)

Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis

The *Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)* is perhaps one of the most familiar and most loved backyard birds in the United States. Its normal range includes the eastern two-thirds of the U.S. and much of Mexico. It is a familiar sight in towns and cities and woodland habitats everywhere. The shot of a male on the right was taken in Kenedy Co., Texas, in April, 2002, with a Canon EOS 1V and EF 500m F/4 L IS lens on Fuji Velvia. The shot of the next male was taken at the same time. The female was a digital shot taken in Austin, Travis Co., Texas, in December, 2002, with a Canon D60 and EF 600mm F/4 L lens and the next shot of a male looking over his shoulder was another digital shot in October, 2005, at Ottine, Gonzales Co., Texas, with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens and 2X extender.



The next six shots were all taken during spring and early summer, 2006, in Hidalgo Co., Texas with a Canon EOS 1D Mark II and EF 600mm F/4 L IS lens and 1.4 X extender or a 2X extender.





The male Northern Cardinal on the right was in Catalina, Pima Co., Arizona, in March, 2009. Cardinals in Arizona are a slightly different red color than those farther east and also sometimes show a longer crest.
The male Northern Cardinal on the right was near Elroy, Travis Co., Texas, in December, 2009. This image was taken with a Canon EOS 1D Mark III and an EF 500mm F/4 L IS lens.
The female Northern Cardinal on the right was at Palo Duro Canyon State Park, Randall Co., Texas, in January, 2011.
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis male Charro Ranch Park, Dripping Springs, Hays Co., Texas 6 December 2013