When did you take this photo?
January 2011
Where did you take this photo?
Cunningham, Tennessee
On my deck.
A small wooded area is at back of the property.
How do you attract northern cardinals to your backyard?
After a snow, we scattered shelled sunflower seeds on the deck railing. This brought in several different birds, but we had as many as five cardinals at one time feeding from the deck. This allowed me to get some good photos through my deck doors. We also have three feeders out in the yard, but the cardinals (and blue jays) seem to prefer open feeding. I wanted a platform feeder, but we are spending so much money on seed that we are just using what feeders we already have right now.
Tips and Tricks
- Be patient because the cardinals will be shy at first.
- Have the camera ready and waiting close to the venue.
- Use zoom even when subject is just a few yards or so away.
- Take several shots in rapid succession.
Melissa Mayntz, Birding / Wild Birds Guide, says:
While cardinals will visit hopper feeders, they are large songbirds that do prefer open areas for feeding. Platform and tray feeders work well, or you can spread seed directly on the ground, on a deck railing, a patio table, or other surface where the birds can feed.
See the complete northern cardinal profile.
