A brilliant Cardinal doesn't seem much like a critter, but when he loses his head feathers to mites, he does fit into the critter category. Losing head feathers is common; we see a Cardinal or two and even Blue Jays with this condition yearly. Fortunately, when cooler weather arrives, the feathers grow back. I've only seen birds missing their head feathers in summer.
The second photo was taken a summer or two ago. I'm thinking the pretty male in the first photo is fighting mites and might end up like the one above.
Thanks to Viewing Nature with Eileen for hosting the Saturday Critters Challenge.
Hello,
ReplyDeleteThe cardinal do look funny when these lose their feathers. I am glad they grow back and look beautiful as ever. Great photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a wonderful weekend. PS, thank you for leaving me a comment.
Thanks Eileen, my sister and I watch for them every summer. We've named one we think loses his feathers every year.
DeleteI'm not sure what you mean by the "critter category" -- I thought a cardinal with all his feathers would still qualifiy for Eileen's weekly blog party. But the photos are interesting.
ReplyDeleteI always think of critters as the different looking animals, birds, etc.
DeleteI heard someone say that seeing a Cardinal is a blessing for the whole day. That's so true!
ReplyDeleteA cardinal once sung to me at a moment when I needed it most. It was very spirit lifting and felt like a promise from God. They are lovely birds, even when they lose their feathers.
DeleteIt is a beautiful bird :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks Ananka.
DeleteHaha, 'critter category' indeed! Sounds like a bad hair day for birds.
ReplyDeleteIt's fun to see them, and they don't seem phased at all, neither do their companions.
DeleteGreat photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much.
DeleteA very pretty bird captured beautifully!
ReplyDeleteThank you. I love spotting them in the yard.
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