The breeding season for our local birds has ended and many of the birds are molting out their breeding plumage. For birds like the northern cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis), there is no real difference between the breeding and nonbreeding plumage. Usually after the breeding season has ended, though, even these birds can look a little rough. It’s hard work raising, protecting, and eventually chasing off three clutches of young. For the most part, however, the adult cardinals have finished their fall molt and they are looking good again. Poppa was showing off his fresh feathers as he sat in a tree near the feeding station in the sun. The way the sun was hitting him made those new feathers positively glow. His posture and attitude also told everyone who the boss was without him having to even lift a feather.