 EPOD - a service of USRA

The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes
and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and
archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory
captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The
community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and
relevant links.


 Cardinals’ Fall Friend

   December 22, 2020

    Bayside Cardinal shelling sunflower seeds

   Photographer:  Rob Sheridan
   Summary Author:  Rob Sheridan

   Although it will deign to  consume the occasional insect or fruit,
   the  Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis) is a prolific
   eater of grain. During mating season, males will entice females with
   choice  kernels presented beak-to-beak. Late in the summer, their
   attention turns to newly mature and highly  nutritious sunflower
   seeds. However, reaching the nutritious nutmeat requires removing the
   tough outer hull. This is difficult to do without hands, but the
   Northern Cardinal  succeeds with only its blunt beak and tongue as
   illustrated by this  bright red male as it stakes out a productive
   sunflower head. Photo taken November 26, 2019.
     * Squantum, Massachusetts Coordinates:  42.29482, -71.0104

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    More...

Animal Links

     *  Animal Diversity Web
     *  ARKive
     *  BirdLife International
     *  Bug Guide
     *  Discover Life
     *  Integrated Taxonomic Information System
     *  Microbial Life Resources
       Earth Science Picture of the Day is a service of the
-
        Universities Space Research Association.

https://epod.usra.edu
 
