Not That Cute, Yet

I must confess that, as fond of the birds as I am, I nevertheless find most baby and juvenile birds far from "cute." Some species take many months before they cease looking like buzzard wannabees. Case in point: this juvenile Northern Cardinal photographed yesterday. He is far from being attractive to the ladies. But over the fall and winter, assuming he finds the right foods--not a problem here!--and stays healthy, he will bring in adult feathers, assume the proper colors, and dazzle all onlookers. But for now...(sigh)...he must take the Ugly Duckling role and prepare for the coming winter. I'll make sure he is well fed!