The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a very noticeable bird.  Growing up in New England, it was one of the first birds that I learned to recognize. I miss it out here on the West Coast and always look forward to seeing when I return East and, one of these days, I hope to capture one of those iconic ‘Cardinal in the snow” images.

Given its name, you might not expect to see it on a visit to South Texas for a few days of bird photography, but there it was – a favorite and familiar bird among all those South Texas specialties, like Crested Caracara, Scissor-tailed flycatcher and Green Jay.

I was happy to get multiple opportunities to photograph the Northern Cardinal --  males in their flashy red feathers, females more subdued but equally recognizable, and even recently fledged juveniles – engaged in a variety of interesting behaviors.

Male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinals)A flash of red as male Northern Cardinal takes off from his perch, Dos Venadas Ranch, Starr County, Texas

Female Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinals)Female Northern Cardinal, Dos Venadas Ranch, Starr County, Texas

Male Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinals) bathingMale Northern Cardinal bathing, Dos Venadas Ranch, Starr County, Texas