Ravages of Parenting

Fledgling birds are (mostly) cute, and we all enjoy seeing growing avian families. But there is a price to pay. Of course the adults are underfed as they divert almost every calorie to the young. But feathers take a hit at the same time, for the same reasons. This male Northern Cardinal is now in molt mode. The youngsters have fledged and he is dropping the old, beaten-up feathers and will soon have a splendid summer suit. But they sure look strange in the meantime. This cardinal reminded me of a buzzard, and it's strange indeed to see the blue-black skin we normally can't observe. It's an interesting change...