Probably the most well-known of all the Crested birds (6th in my series) is the Illinois State Bird - the Northern Cardinal. Cardinals are present all four seasons in Northern IL. Their song is very recognizable and their striking red color is easy to spot at their perches within the tree branches. Above (1-31-10) a female enjoying a winter meal at our backyard feeder. Below top (5-2-10) a male at Rock Cut State park, IL; below middle (12-27-09) a male peaking at me between the branches in Tucson, AZ (close to the edge of their Western most range); below bottom, backlit by the winter morning sun, a Cardinal joined by a Slate-colored Junco at our front yard feeder, both looked at me at the same time when I snapped their photo (1-31-09).
I think they are one of the most beautiful birds as well! I just was watching a male and female at my feeder...great captures!
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