LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Isn't She Lovely?

"Female is dull." This phrase often follows the description of the male cardinal as being "brilliant." I describe the color as more warm and muted. And I happen to think females cardinals are every bit as beautiful, if not as flashy, as the males.

This female cardinal visits me quite often. While the other cardinals are rather skittish, she is happy to share the deck with me. I call her Lady Jane. She is a bit more gray than some and she doesn't have much of a buffy underside.

Here is Lady Jane on a misty morning. Isn't she lovely?



Unlike some female birds, Lady Jane also sings. She has a loud and clear voice. Hmmm...perhaps I should name her Susan Boyle.

20 comments:

Cedar ... said...

Lady Jane is indeed beautiful! Perhaps women are beautiful enough without adding all that "flashiness?" (grinning!)

KGMom said...

I like Lady Jane--but not a la British history--Lady Jane Grey had a rocky life.
I agree--I always love seeing female cardinals--the grey with red tinged feathers, the orange beak. You are lucky to have one as a friend!

Cicero Sings said...

Her ladyship is lovely in deed.

Dawn Fine said...

Tee hee..Susan Boyle seems very appropriate for a good singer!

Cheryl said...

She is a lovely bird......and how wonderful that she spends time with you.........her colours are delightful.....

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Yes, indeed! I do agree! Lady Jane is simply beautiful!!

~Beth

A New England Life said...

She is so lovely! Her little tail is sitting in the water. Can't she feel that? Female Cardinals are such ladies ; )

Appalachian Lady said...

I love both the male and female Cardinals. Your photos really show the beauty of the female.

Kim said...

Lovely shots of the female cardinal. I think they are beautiful birds despite being as vivid as the male.

troutbirder said...

I like Lady Jane also. Hopefully her mate isn't named Henry VIII.

Tina said...

Lovely bird, so glad she sings for you..a lady in waiting perhaps??

Shelley said...

Lady Jane is a pretty gal! I find the female cardinals have so much character! I had one tapping on my window last week - I think because I needed to fill the feeders - lol!

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

I think female Cardinals are lovely too. I call mine "Claudia" as in Claudia Cardinale the Italian actress.

Endment said...

Her coloring is elegant and subtle. We have several pair here - I hope they are building nests. Your photos are really fun.

grammy said...

Lady Jane is beautiful. Loved the susan Boyle comment. Can't wait to hear her next song.

Jayne said...

I think they are every bit as lovely too Carolyn. Sometimes, the contrast of their colors is even more exquisite to see... and that beak!

Aunt "B's" Backyard said...

She is a pretty girl! I had the wonderful experience of being able to hold one after she flew into my window. I was so thrilled, to say the least. However, I found her feathers to be more olive-colored, raher than grey. Incredible, aren't they!!

NCmountainwoman said...

Thanks for commenting, everyone.

Donna - I have been fascinated with Lady Jane Grey since I read her biography in fifth grade. I imagine that she might have been released from her wretched life after her execution and reappears as a bird.

New England - I have never seen a bird's tail in water like that. I have no idea why she didn't sit erect.

Aunt B - I can't imagine the thrill of holding a cardinal. However, Lady Jane seems so tame, I might try hand feeding her.

100 Thoughts of Love said...

i think she is lovely...almos a blush about her!

Leedra said...

Lady Jane is lovely indeed. I agree plain and dull are not the correct adjectives for the female birds, especially the cardinals.

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