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21st Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Cardinal Adoring the Rising Sun

This Cardinal is sitting on a Hibiscus tree that I planted next to a bird feeder. This hibiscus tree was damaged by a freeze that occurred in Central Florida. I had cut the tree back but left this one dead branch because the birds love to sit on it as they take turns on the feeder. I was in my backyard testing my new mirrorless camera early in the morning before the sun came up. I saw a group of Cardinals taking turns on this branch. I noticed the Cardinal was facing the sun and the light was perfect on him. Later when I was editing the photo, I realized he had his crown flattened. They do this when they are confronted with a more dominant Cardinal. But I could not help but believe he was adoring the rising sun.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2023
Photo Location: Valrico, Florida, United States of America
Camera: NIKON Z 8
Copyright: © Mark Smith