Highly visible and happy to pose for his portrait, the cardinal is a year-round resident of northeast Ohio and can live up to 15 years in the wild. It is the state bird of Ohio and six other states, including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. This makes him a record holder among state birds. A group of cardinals may be called by many different terms, including college and deck, but the name that surprises me is “Vatican of cardinals.” Maybe that makes this a good day to post his royal picture, since today is Easter Sunday???
The female cardinal doesn’t wear red, but maybe she is attracted by his red coat. I read that males that wear the brighter red coat, like this fellow, appear to feed at higher rates and have greater reproductive success than those whose red coats are more dull in color. I know they make better photographs and attract a lot of attention. What do you think?
SEEN ALONG THE TRAIL 
Great shot! And the story of the red coat is fascinating!
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Thank you, Tiny. They are always willing to pose. Although they usually look their best in snowy scenes, I like seeing them in any season.
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He is indeed a noble cardinal. Very majestic. Actually, I would like to see a certain sign of spring: a robin. Marti
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Majestic for sure, and he knows it! There are robins in the neighborhood. Some have been hanging around all winter actually. The redwinged blackbird is the bird to watch for here in Ohio.
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Marvellous shot, marvellous bird!
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Thanks, Belinda. He is a very handsome bird. I actually think his mate is just as striking. I will have to post a picture of her as soon as she will pose.
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Great! I took a few Cardinal shots the other day as well. They’re lovely birds.
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I agree. Their red coats just can’t be ignored, especially when I see them in the winter.
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