Harry http://behret.smugmug.com/NANPA member How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
I finally have a decent male cardinal shot I think.
Good one Stephen. The male is not nearly as bold as the female.
I was always under the impression this was the other way around. Since the female sits on the nest she is dull colored sopredators don't see her. The male is colored boldy so that predators will see him and chase him instead of trying to find the nest.
I was always under the impression this was the other way around. Since the female sits on the nest she is dull colored sopredators don't see her. The male is colored boldy so that predators will see him and chase him instead of trying to find the nest.
Correct me if this is wrong.
Nice shot, btw!
I can only speak from experience. We have had Cardinals nesting in the back yard for the past three years. The female will use the feeders in the open and even go so far as to tap on the den window when there is no sunflower seed left. She is often visible and we can approach within a few yards of her. The male won't come to the feeders in the open unless he is feeding young and spends most of his time lurking in the deeper shadows. His 'comfort range' with us is much greater than hers. I think that it is because he is so obvious to predators that he remains hidden most of the time.
I think he means the female is more brazen and fearless than the male.
Great capture Stephen!!!!
Thanks Saurora, and I agree, the males are very skittish; whereas, the females are much more subdued hence my awful trouble trying to get a decent shot of one.
I was always under the impression this was the other way around. Since the female sits on the nest she is dull colored sopredators don't see her. The male is colored boldy so that predators will see him and chase him instead of trying to find the nest.
Correct me if this is wrong.
Nice shot, btw!
While I think that the OP was talking about the mannerisms, I am going to address what you posted as this is one area I study and have always been interested in.
In nature, the female of a species is typically subdued as you say to help avoid predation. The male on the other hand is using his coloration to attract mates, not predators. The females can use visual cues such as coloration or ability to sustain song to get an idea about the "fitness" or overall health of a mate. If a male cardinal is kinda pale or ratty looking it may be an indicator that he has a parasite load or other negative aspects that would make the female look elsewhere. However if the male is bright and vibrant, he is advertising that he either does not have a parasite load or if he does, he can handle it. In other words he is advertising his "Good Genes" (in fact, that is the name of the model) keep in mind that this is not likely a conscious decision, she is just going with the better mate in her mind.
Also, unless the cardinal is being preyed on by another bird, it is unlikely that the red is a detriment. Snakes don;t go for adults, most mammals need movement to lock on and in many cases do not see red anyway.
Its a fun subject to read up on if you are ever interested. These is lots of interesting data out there on Bluebirds and the fact that in many cases all the eggs in the nest rarely belong to the male that is helping to raise them. The female apparently selects different males for different jobs so to speak.
Sexual selection in animals is a very cool field of study.
Andrew
“Tug at a single thing in nature, and you will find it connected to the universe.
[John Muir]
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Thanks for sharing,
Dick.
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http://behret.smugmug.com/ NANPA member
How many photographers does it take to change a light bulb? 50. One to change the bulb, and forty-nine to say, "I could have done that better!"
I think he means the female is more brazen and fearless than the male.
Great capture Stephen!!!!
Ahh, that makes more sense! Stupid English and it's many meanings for words!!
I STILL don't have one...not even close.:cry
So watch out! Image piracy is an easy thing.
Seriously...not bad at all, Stephen.
Thanks Saurora, and I agree, the males are very skittish; whereas, the females are much more subdued hence my awful trouble trying to get a decent shot of one.
www.capture-the-pixel.com
Well, I have secretely embedded a kiddie script that make your monitor melt if you pirate my photo.
Thanks Ric, I appreciate the comment.
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....what a world....what a world....what a world....what a world!!!!
Dave
[John Muir]
This forum could use more of that...IMO.