Sunday, April 13, 2008

Splash of Red


One "bare bones" quick capture sans telephoto, sans tripod, sans anything at all except a handheld camera and one elderly photographer skulking in the shrubbery (myself).

We still have snow, and there is still little or no foliage on the trees here, although one can see in this photo that the trees are doing their best to entertain springtime by leafing out with gusto. Delicate rosy buds are beginning to appear everywhere, and perhaps there will be green leaves in a week or so.

The cardinals who make their homes in the village are nervous at this time of the year, and justifiably so. They visit the trees in the garden and our feeders, but they are in constant motion and never stay for long. There are (as yet) no leafy branches to conceal their vibrant plumage from the local hawks, and it is a rare thing to catch one of these radiant avians out in the open in April. Their color is so bright that it is almost garish when framed against a clear blue springtime sky, and they must be prudent in their appearances.

7 comments:

Suzie Ridler said...

A true sign of spring (and a stunning one at that, photos of birds are extra challenging) has blessed your area in the woods!

Anonymous said...

Gorgeous! (I still think of the Katie, the picture of the dog that made me so very, very, sad.)
Happy birthday to me. Joyce

kenju said...

I am both impressed and jealous. He is magnificent. I seldom catch any birds at all.

Shelli said...

Cardinals are my favorite bird! Well...I think I say that about a lot of bird. ha ha.

Anonymous said...

Dear Cate,
Reds are most beautiful! I've had some reds here too, I always see them as a couple at the feeder in the back yard. The photo is exquisite as usual, you sure know your domain.
Love Louise

GreenishLady said...

So beautiful, and so well-captured.

Crayons said...

Wow, I never thought about what the bare branches mean to bright cardinals. Thanks for that photo.