The breeding season is winding down and the woods and brush are filled with fledglings of varying ages. Momma and Poppa cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) produced two clutches this year, all of which are still hanging around at this point. The older bunch are fully colored out, including having their orange bills. They still look a bit patchy though, especially on their heads and necks. The younger group is still in the process of getting their adult feathers and most of them have the immature black bills still. Just about any time I go outside, there are young cardinals flying around in the brush in my yard. So far, Poppa has been very patient with this bunch and isn’t actively trying to drive the older ones away like he did last year. In this image, he was sitting in one of the pokeweed bushes watching the youngsters as they chased each other and went in and out of the scrub. He looks pretty content to me, like he’s pretty pleased with the group this year. Before long, the youngsters will be striking out on their own, but for now both he and I are pleased to have them around.