Back in June 2017 I photographed a Northern Cardinal Fledgling resting on the edge of a bird bath that I have in my yard. I had emptied the bird bath so that I could clean it. When I came back with a brush the Cardinal was on the edge of the bird bath. The parents and another Fledgling were nearby, so I photographed this one and waited for it to leave.
How I Got The Shot – Northern Cardinal Fledgling
I was hand holding a Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera with a Canon EF 100 – 400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II lens. I was shooting in aperture priority mode (AV) with a shutter speed of 1/320 of a second at f8 and the ISO at 1000. White Balance on auto. I was using single point, continuous auto focus with evaluative metering.
Northern Cardinal Facts
- Young fledge 10 to 11 days after hatching. They can fly within 20 days.
- A Fledgling will have the characteristic crest at the top of the head.
- Young cardinals often follow their parents on the ground for several days after they leave the nest. They remain very close to their parents until they are able to get food on their own.
- Cardinals use bird baths for both drinking and bathing.