Molting Mildred

Northern Cardinals and other birds molt in late summer and early fall to replace their feathers for newer, stronger ones while food is plentiful.  This poor gal will never make it to the cover of a bird beauty magazine in this condition.  Her head is completely bald on top, but the camera didn't click fast enough to capture that.  She'll look great in another week or two.

Biology behind feather loss if you're interested.  Always something to learn on Blip!