…is not like the others! 🙂
“Hugh Hefner” (Male Northern Cardinal with Bunny Statues) Nikon D300, 390mm (200-400mm w/1.4x teleconverter), F/7.1, 1/160s, ISO 640
Seeing a Cardinal sitting still is not a common occurrence, so I found it remarkably strange, then, when I spotted a male just leisurely ‘hanging out’ amongst the two small rabbit statues under one of our garden benches. Perhaps he thought he had made some new friends??
The bird stayed in this exact spot for quite a long time (well, for a Cardinal, mind you, as they are typically very skittish birds), even shutting his eyes to rest! I actually began to get concerned he was injured or sick, but, just as I was about to investigate further, I accidentally startled him and he flew off.
Most likely he was a young male, simply getting his bearings. I’ve been seeing many juveniles lately, from squirrels to chipmunks to birds to rabbits, sporting atypical animal behavior and it has been humorous to watch them try to make sense of their surroundings without the aid of the parents. Kids! 😉
Oh, well. Just another day in Milkay’s Animal Kingdom, where the critters never cease to amaze! 🙂
Milkay Photography 
26 Comments
And he’s a puffed up little guy too! How cool for you to have spotted him – he does look like he could be one of your little statues – neat photo op!
I know and it wasn’t even a cold day! I wonder why they do that??
How could I not spot him! A nice little spot of red in the otherwise green or brown landscape. I’m just glad he waited there while I lugged out the tripod and lens from the shed. I think he wanted to be photographed!
Thanks much, Karma! 🙂
It’s more than likely his buddies had a bet running, as to exactly how long it would take for the crazy lady to appear with her clickety box… and who get get her attention for the longest… lol… That sure does make for quite the amusing and wonderful shot though Tracy, and I’m glad he happily flew off as well… 🙂
Ha! You are probably right, Brian! The males are EVIL that way and they soooo like to taunt me!
Thanks! I thought it was quite hysterical, myself. All summer long I’ve been chasing the male cardinals and here comes a time where one is just flat out sitting there. Typical. 😉
Really, not surprising in my yard. You just never know what is going to happen. Why, just this morning, as I approached the pool area to begin the daily ‘peanut feeding frenzy’, I see that there is a chipmunk in the pool treading water. Poor little thing! I immediately went running for the net and fished him out in time. Looked pathetic all soaking wet. S/he still had some spunk left tho as it fought to be released which I happily did and saw it scamper off. THAT was a close one! 🙂
I always enjoy Brian’s version of how the story could have happened! 😉
Ha! Me, too!
Maybe I should him to write all my posts?? 😉
This Hugh must be young to confuse fur for feathers. Either that or heard about your obsession for male cardinals.
Not confused at all…we all know the young gents like the, um, bunnies. 😉
I was SURE he was a statue when I saw the photo in my mailbox. Now I just think he was posing for the camera.
I know, huh? Typical male! 🙂
This weekend our friends witnessed a hummingbird attacking a male cardinal. I wish I was around when it happened. How fortunate for you to see such a sight!
Oh, my! That must have been quite a scene! I think I would have been amazed and horrified and scared (for both birds) all at the same time!
Thanks, Becky! Yes, I feel so very fortunate (and grateful) for the nature encounters and photo ops I get to experience!
Oh that is so cute. I didn’t realize he was real at first.
Thank you, Amber!
You know, it never occurred to me that the bird would come across as also a statue! How funny! 🙂
Lucky you! Capturing the elusive male cardinal as he stalks the great rabbits. 😉
Ha! Yes! I suppose that is as good a description as ever!
Thanks, Robin! 🙂
I’ve always wanted to get a good photo of a Cardinal (we have lots of them around here), but I’ve never been able to catch one! They are far too fast and I’m far too slow! Very cool, M.P.! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂
Why IS it that all the pretty birds are so very hard to photograph? This guy certainly took me by surprise as they usually prefer to taunt me with the most excellent poses when I am without a camera!
Looks like the second bunny is stalking him, and about to pounce – he flew away just in time! 😀
Ha! You may be right, JP! Can’t trust those rascally rabbits! 🙂
Hugh looks rather pleased with himself!!
I think you would as well if you were accompanied by TWO bunnies!! 😉
Hugh Hefner in Milkay’s Animal Kingdom – I had not imagined this coming…. 😉
Ha! I suppose I didn’t either, Truels! 🙂
Brilliant photo – and love the expression on the birds face while he ‘plays statues’! 🙂
Hehehe! Thanks, Val! He was quite the character! 🙂