Go Cardinals!

Here are some pretty good pictures of a male cardinal to make up for the obscured picture I brought you last week of a similar bird. This guy seemed to be much more amenable to having his picture taken, since he could hold still for more than a second, and didn't stay behind some cover at all times. That bright red coloration really stands out against the leafy green canopy behind him. I'm sure this fellow is actively seeking out a mate, if he hasn't found one already. The females are a much duller red color, possibly so you don't notice them sitting on the nest guarding the eggs. The bright red male is able to draw the attention of a predator, or a photographer, away. Like all the insects I've shown you today, this bird is from Oscar Scherer State Park.