Sketching Out Blog: Sketches of art, watercolor, photos, recipes, books, interviews, Jewish topics, and Highland Park, New Jersey

Reds in Trees

cardinal in burning bush
Cardinal Hiding in Burning Bush

I was excited when I spotted a bright red male cardinal in my neighbor’s burning bush (← click and scroll down to see how the bush looked in the fall). I took the shot through the window, so it isn’t all that clear. My family (and their loud voices) came home; when I went outside, the male cardinal along with the female and some beautiful blue jays had disappeared.

heart in tree
Last week I saw this sweet little heart hanging from a tree here in Highland Park.

For more photos with a little or a lot of red, visit Ruby Tuesday:
Ruby Tuesday

Ilana-Davita says

The cardinal is very impressive in its gray surrounding. I don't think we get cardinals here. We sometimes have robins in the garden though.
The heart is cute.

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Robin from Israel says

Cardinals are spectacular against a winter sky but it's that little heart that gets my vote - it's adorable, and looks just like a cookie :).

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leoraw says

It caught my eye, too!

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Mrs. S. says

How appropriate that you chose to post a burning bush the week of Parshat Shmot!

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leoraw says

I did not even think of that - thanks, Mrs. S.! :-)

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EG Wow says

Cardinals are so hard to capture with MY camera so I'm feeling a tad jealous here. ;-) I'm trying to lure some to my yard with safflower seed, So far (it has been 2 weeks) it is NOT working. :-(

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leoraw says

Oh, and I am so jealous of those who capture the crystal clear photos of exotic birds doing something with personality. Funny how I take at least seeing a cardinal in my backyard for granted. This was a warm day after a cold period, so perhaps I get more birds on those warming days.

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AnnieElf says

I love seeing the cardinal peeking out from his hiding place. Love the little cookie like decoration.

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felisol says

I've never seen "live" cardinals. They look great on TV and on your picture.
I'd thought New York was too cold for such an exotic bird.
Then again; what do I know?
The heart spreading joy to a cold winter's day had lots and lots of charm.
I have a weakness for hearts in any form. The symbol of love is so strong.
From Felisol

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leoraw says

Then I feel happy that cardinals do sometimes come to my backyard. Nice to know an "exotic" bird likes it here and not just sparrows.

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Ralph says

The cardinal is beautiful. We often see them (both male and female) on he leafless Forsythia by our bedroom window. These seed eaters look so nice in the winter. We can only try to capture them through glass, too - but their distinctive color and shape is not matched by any other birds...

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ellen b says

Oh what fun. I'd love to photograph a red bird this year!! Happy New Year!

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storyteller says

Delightful touches of red in your beautiful wintry photos ;-)
Hugs and blessings,

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Dimple says

Thanks for coming by Leora. I love that picture of the cardinal, even though it isn't clear. It's clear enough to identify a cardinal!
I'm glad you use your name when you sign Mr. Linky, when I followed your name link on the comment you left I got to a carnival page...

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Rose says

That heart hanging in the tree is so cute!

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eden says

What great captures. The colour of the cardinal made a good contrast against the wintry condition.

And that little heart hanging from a tree looks so cute..

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ramblingwoods says

Cardinal are shy and I don't usually get a photo except through a window so you did a great job...Michelle

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leoraw says

I didn't know that about cardinals! Thanks again for being my birdwatching teacher.

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ramblingwoods says

I forget to say that cardinals stay with their mates all year. If you don't see a female, he might be a younger male and hadn't found a mate yet. The females are a greenish tan color....Michelle

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luna miranda says

wow, i can feel the cold from these photos. i hope the cardinal was keeping warm.

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amanda says

Leora that little Cardinal is a great capture Kudos my dear! Happy RT!

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quiltworks says

Very neat photos! Fun theme and well done.
Did you use selective color in the first one? Very effective!

...Red Bush

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leoraw says

No, I just cropped the photo. The cardinal really did look bright red among the dull gray branches.

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Gena says

Well captured!!!

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Carletta says

Cardinals are one of my most favorite birds! I love them against the white winter snow and must try to 'capture' one this week.
The heart is precious. I could see a whole tree of them for upcoming Valentine's Day.

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leoraw says

Do you think the heart will give birth to more?;-)

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Ivon says

Nice picture of the cardinal. I looks all fluffed up and keeping warm. I would like to find a bird just resting. We have too much rain for me to go picture strolling. :)

Thanks for sharing.

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leoraw says

At least with rain you will get lovely flowers!

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Patti V. says

That's a great capture of a cardinal. I took a picture of a cardinal last week at a bird feeder at our city's nature center but didn't get too much red. It must have been the female.
I am going to post it for Sepia Scenes. Stay tuned..I'd like your opinion.

Ah, but the heart hanging in the tree stole my heart. Wonderful photo!

Happy New Year, Leora.

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Dianne says

two lovely splashes of color
the bird is a wonderful capture
I wonder what the heart's story is, I like to think it's a sweet romantic one :)

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Stephanie V says

Oh, what a lovely cardinal. That's a wonderful photo. I like the wee heart ornament, too.

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Jew Wishes says

What a lovely shot, Leora! I love the bright splash of ruby red within the greys.

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mizhelle says

cute! love that cardinal shot :) so creative!

u may view mine here

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Melissa says

Gorgeous bird. And his coloring is spectacular.

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Jientje says

I <3 the <3!
Happy 2010 Leora!

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fiberdoodles says

So pretty! Happy Ruby Tuesday!!

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life ramblings says

love the little heart, how precious!

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