Just a Redbird or 2

I hope you enjoy these portraits of some of the many Northern Cardinals in my area.

This time I'll start with the males and save the best, the females for last.

1. I couldn't decide whether this one or #2 were the best of this male so I'll let you all be the judge.

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Great stuff. They're beautiful birds and I like their song. I wish we had them here.

These are so fabulous! I am so jealous my cardinals here are so timid they have managed to escape my lens every time! LOL Awesome set.

Great shots Steve.

All very nice Steve,

Very nice, Steve; we have only the odd one here.
Al

All are very nice, #1, #2 and # 8 are my favorite and I can clearly see why you had a difficult time choosing between 1 and 2, they are equally great. The last shot of the female is sooo good.
I get to enjoy many Cardinals year round here and they rank at the top of my list for favorite to see and shoot. The males add their bright color to our long drab winters and make the long bleak days much more tolerable. At this time of year they are singing from high in my Oak trees and not as frequently seen.
A great set, thanks for sharing them.

Very good shots of these pretty birds, Steve. I like cardinals, too. They frequent my backyard daily.

I would give a slight nod to the males here Steve, just because of the poses. One fantastic set, Well done indeed!

You are very fortunate to get great shots like these. They are very rare at my feeders, and very skittish as well.

Absolutely beautiful shots Steve! Can't pick a fav, ok all of them.

Aw Shucks, let's just print them all and hang 'em! Very well done, Buddy.

Between #1 and #2, #2 adheres closer to the 2/3 rule, but for some reason I like #1 better. #2 has a better exposure of his face, but I think that #1 appeals just because its a little tighter crop and hence, has more red color.

Wow Steve, what a great set. These look like studio quality portraits!

Mel-S wrote in post #16954306
Great stuff. They're beautiful birds and I like their song. I wish we had them here.

I appreciate it Mel. Wish I could send some along to you.

butterfly2937 wrote in post #16954321
These are so fabulous! I am so jealous my cardinals here are so timid they have managed to escape my lens every time! LOL Awesome set.

Haha Carol, mine used to be timid as well but have relented. Maybe yours will too. Thanks so much for your comments.

2n10 wrote in post #16954332
Great shots Steve.

Much appreciated John.

Pondrader wrote in post #16954377
All very nice Steve,

Thanks as always Jeff.

CDMOOSE wrote in post #16954589
Very nice, Steve; we have only the odd one here.
Al

Always appreciate your comments Al. I'd send you some too if I could.

Grizz1 wrote in post #16954635
All are very nice, #1, #2 and # 8 are my favorite and I can clearly see why you had a difficult time choosing between 1 and 2, they are equally great. The last shot of the female is sooo good.
I get to enjoy many Cardinals year round here and they rank at the top of my list for favorite to see and shoot. The males add their bright color to our long drab winters and make the long bleak days much more tolerable. At this time of year they are singing from high in my Oak trees and not as frequently seen.
A great set, thanks for sharing them.

Thanks so much Steve. They do add year round color and I hadn't really thought about it `till you brought it up.

ldn323 wrote in post #16954707
Very good shots of these pretty birds, Steve. I like cardinals, too. They frequent my backyard daily.

I appreciate you stopping by with the nice comment Linh.

Oldjackssparrows wrote in post #16955022
I would give a slight nod to the males here Steve, just because of the poses. One fantastic set, Well done indeed!

Haha Bret, you just like the challenging red of the male don't you. I like the males better in this set for the very same reason, and I always appreciate you stopping by.

SJC from VT wrote in post #16955081
You are very fortunate to get great shots like these. They are very rare at my feeders, and very skittish as well.

You're very kind Sandy and it's kind of funny that mine have calmed down over time. I guess they're figuring out who gives them their red grapes

Grizz wrote in post #16955082
Absolutely beautiful shots Steve! Can't pick a fav, ok all of them.

Glad I could make it so tough on you Craig! Your comments are always welcomed.

ardeekay wrote in post #16955276
Aw Shucks, let's just print them all and hang 'em! Very well done, Buddy.

Thanks Rog, you're always very kind. I'm not sure I've got enough magenta ink to print ALL of them.

ed57gmc wrote in post #16955454
Between #1 and #2, #2 adheres closer to the 2/3 rule, but for some reason I like #1 better. #2 has a better exposure of his face, but I think that #1 appeals just because its a little tighter crop and hence, has more red color.

All valid and observant comments Ed, and exactly why both went on display. I told you it was tough! Thanks for taking the time to leave your very nice comment.

grizzerbear wrote in post #16955471
Wow Steve, what a great set. These look like studio quality portraits!

Always appreciate your comments and compliments Barry. I'll be sure to pass them along to the Cardinals