By mid-August male cardinals that participate in raising young look a little worn for the effort. This male is nesting about four feet above my Mom's clothsline in the fork of a dogwood tree.
Best viewed in 'original' size.
Nikon D800
,AF-S VR Nikkor 70-200mm f2.8G TC-20 E II 1/125s f/5.6 at 600.0mm iso250
DX Image Free Cropped and Reduced to 190 ppi for Internet Viewing
full exif