Not Often Seen

September 18, 2026

Again I’m seeing a juvenile Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis). An unusual event for me, though I did see one last year in late June.

This one is just beginning to show signs of its beak changing from black to orange. It is at about 65 to 80 days of age that their beak begins that transition to orange and by 6 months of age the transition is complete.

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Brenda Clements Jones

Brenda is a certified Virginia Master Naturalist, a Habitat Defender for Shenandoah National Park, and a devoted fan of Mother Nature. She lives in a cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Shenandoah National Park, and hikes up to the higher elevations of her mountain often to see what nature is up to. Her constant hiking companion is a camera that captures nature as it unfolds through the seasons. It’s her goal to share the natural world around her through her photographs.

4 thoughts on “Not Often Seen”

    1. Hi Leigh! Ignorance is bliss, or that is what they say! I can’t believe that my Mom told me about juvenile Cardinals having black beaks *just* maybe 15 years ago. I had no idea!!!

      Sending smiles your way!
      Bren

      Reply

  2. We have been fortunate to see juvenile cardinals every year, though we have seen only two this year. It is a very tough year for all birds, with so many days 100 degrees F or over. I always say that when the beak turns orange, they have put their Tangee lipstick on. Remember Tangee? It is just the color that Mrs. Cardinal prefers.

    Reply

    1. Oh Becky! How wonderful to hear from you! I love your comment about the Tangee!!! Yes, I remember that lipstick from so long ago! My heart goes out to you that you and the world around you had to survive through so many days of over 100 degrees or over. We *might* have had one day over 100 which for us, is quite rare.

      So very glad you read my posts!
      Bren

      Reply

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