Friday, December 12, 2008

THE POWER OF COLOR!!

I read with great interest that the cardinal, also known as the "red bird" or "cardinal grosbeak," is a member of the Finch family. Finches are thought to be one of the most highly developed and skilled of all birds. In the 1800s cardinals were trapped and sold as a caged pets, however, this type of behavior was brought to an end with the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918,.. thank goodness!

Cardinals were thought to have been named after the Cardinals of the Catholic church, who donned bright red robes! Of course, if you ask the female bird of this cardinal family, she will tell you that she is attracted to this brilliant red bird because his bright color signifies to her that he's very territorial and protective, and that he has a huge appetite.. so, he most likely will be a great provider and... hmmmm.... he will have a greater reproductive success than his duller-colored cardinal friends!!
Wow, you cute little red puff ball ...what a rep you have!! ;-)

17 comments:

Shelley said...

Tina - I so enjoyed your cardinal photos! That last one made me smile - looks like he was hiding behind a cape!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Tina, I --like Shelley--love your Cardinal pictures. My Cardinals are so special. None of mine are very colorful right now.. I can't wait 'til spring and getting to see the new colors in the males!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

Cardinals,my most longed for birds.Your pictures are great.I'm thankful for people like you who post pictures so I can also enjoy the Cardinals.
Blessings,Ruth

Mary said...

Tina, I had forgotten the history of the Cardinal. Yes, they are territorial and the last ones to leave the feeders at night. Have you noticed that? Last winter I had about 12 pairs that rested in a tree every evening - they looked like tree ornaments outdoors. Common birds, but so lovely, as your photos show.

Mary

Tina said...

Shelly, He does look like he has a cape over him..lol Thanks for visiting.

Betsy, I can't wait until Spring either! tick tock...Thanks for stopping by..

Ruth, Thank you!

Mary, Yes we do notice how close they stay near the food and it was that "need to feed" that made me start to look up info on them! Thanks for stopping by!

Gail said...

I think with each post, that is the best picture I've seen...then you top it!

Eve said...

This is great Tina...I love to learn new things about our favorite friends!
Thanks!

This Is My Blog - fishing guy said...

Tina: I do love the red of a Cardnial. That last one looks like he has been at the feeder to long.

Craig Glenn said...

Tina,

What a great lesson on this beautiful bird! Really nice captures and backstory. Thanks for taking the time to share your research and knowledge with your awesome photo's.

Craig

Tina said...

Gail, Thanks so much what a nice thing to say :)

Barb, Thanks for being so nice in everyway!!

Eve, Thanks, but I'm sure you already knew all this...hope you are staying warm in all that ice!!

FG They are ALWAYS at the feeder!!:)

Craig, Thank u and Your welcome! :)

sylvia murphy said...

Hi Tina,

You have it right! That cardinal is saying that he so virile and manly, that he is willing to stand out against the drab environment and announce himself to all the predators of the forest. No female worth her ovaries would pass up a chance to carouse with such an obvious example of potent birdliness!

In all seriousness, you folks on the east coast are lucky. I have only see a cardinal a few times. They are wonderful.

Neal said...

Tina, you get some great shots. I sure do enjoy seeing your pictures. Please forgive me for not always leaving a comment, it doesn't mean that I don't enjoy your blog.

Tina said...

Sylvia, wow that was quite a statement, lol but you get to see all those gorgeous vistas that you post each day! I'll send you a few cardinals you send me some of those wildflowers and mountain views!!

Neal, it is nice of you to visit..don't worry about leaving comments! ;-)

Unknown said...

Beautiful series of a colorful cute bird. The first image is awesome. great details and amazing composition

Don Wood said...

Tina thanks for dropping bye . I love the Cardial we dont have anything as bright in England .What I do get are lots of Goldfinches 12 at once the nost in my small garden xxDon

Marsha said...

I really enjoyed these cardinal photos! How striking to have that bold of colored visitors to your garden must be...I wish I could manage to attract them.

Peggy said...

These photos are great! I love the cardinal and you captured him nicely! Great commentary too!

would like to hear your thoughts..